Platies – Colorful, Hardy, and Perfect for Community Aquariums
(Xiphophorus maculatus / Xiphophorus variatus)

Platies are one of the most popular and beginner-friendly freshwater fish available, loved for their wide variety of colors, peaceful nature, and active personality. These livebearers come in an array of vibrant shades—from red and orange to blue, yellow, and even multi-colored patterns—making them a visually stunning addition to any community tank.

Key Features:

• Vibrant Colors: Available in many striking varieties like Mickey Mouse, Sunset, Red Wagtail, and Tuxedo

• Peaceful and Social: Great for community tanks and perfect for new aquarists

• Compact Size: Grows to about 5–7 cm (2–2.8 inches), ideal for tanks of all sizes

• Livebearers: Easy to breed, making them a fun species for hobbyists interested in observing natural behavior

• Active Swimmers: Constantly moving and exploring, adding life to your aquarium

Tank Requirements:

• Minimum tank size: 40 liters (10 gallons)

• Temperature: 22°C–28°C

• pH: 7.0–8.2

• Prefer planted tanks with some hiding spots and open swimming areas

• Gentle filtration and regular water changes help keep them thriving

Compatibility:

• Highly Peaceful: Great tankmates for guppies, mollies, corydoras, tetras, swordtails, and rasboras

• Can be kept in same-sex groups or mixed for breeding

• Avoid housing with aggressive or fin-nipping species

Feeding:

• Omnivorous—enjoy a mix of high-quality flakes or pellets, with supplements like blanched veggies, spirulina, and occasional live/frozen foods

• Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions they can finish within a few minutes

Why Choose Platies?
Platies are a beautiful and low-maintenance species that bring color, charm, and energy to any freshwater aquarium. Whether you’re new to fishkeeping or a seasoned aquarist, these hardy and peaceful fish are a dependable and rewarding addition to your tank.