Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Easy
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum tank
- 54 L
- Maximum size
- 6 cm
- Temperature
- 20–26 °C
- pH
- 7–8.2
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The platy may be the most underrated beginner fish: colourful, peaceful, always on the move and close to indestructible in medium-hard to hard water. It is a livebearer, so expect fry; with some dense planting a share of them will always make it on their own.
Keep more females than males, or the females get chased relentlessly. Platies eat everything but appreciate some plant matter on the side, from algae to spirulina flakes. In a calm community tank this is a rewarding, lively species that asks little and gives a lot.
Related species
Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.
In the BlubHub app you link your inhabitants to this database and see the care info next to your own water parameters.