Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
Also sold as Platies · Platyfish · Mickey Mouse platy · Red wag platy
Synonyms Southern platyfish · Variatus platy · Sunset platy · Platypoecilus maculatus
Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a peaceful freshwater fish that reaches about 6 cm (2.4 in) and swims in open water. It wants 68–79°F (20–26°C) and pH 7–8.2, is kept in groups of 3 or more, and needs a tank of at least 60 L (16 gal).
Check a freshwater stocking selection with your tank size and animal counts.
At a glance
| Type | Fish |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 6 cm (2.4 in) |
| Minimum tank | 60 L (16 gal) |
| Group size | 3 or more |
| Temperature | 68–79°F (20–26°C) |
| pH | 7–8.2 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| GH | 10–30 |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only |
Before it goes in
- Platy needs at least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
- Keep 3 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
- Adult shrimp are safe; shrimplets will be eaten, so a shrimp colony will not grow in the same tank.
- It holds at 68–79°F (20–26°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with Discus.
- It jumps. An open-top tank needs a lid or a low water line.
- It eats soft-leaved plants. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Bacopa caroliniana will not last with it; tough-leaved Anubias nana 'Petite' and Marimo Moss Ball will.
- A group of 3 takes up roughly 40% of what a Dennerle Nano Cube 60L will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.
Platy: care and setup
What tank size does it need?
At least 60 L (16 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the Dennerle Nano Cube 60L.
How many should I keep?
3 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.
Will it eat shrimp?
Adults are safe, shrimplets are not. You can keep shrimp with it; you just will not get a growing colony.
What water does it want?
68–79°F (20–26°C), pH 7–8.2, GH 10–30.
How long does it live?
3–5 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.
Good tank mates
- Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Cherry Shrimp, Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio and Molly.
- Plants that hold up with it: Anubias nana 'Petite', Marimo Moss Ball, Subwassertang and Anubias barteri.
Often compared with
| Platy | Swordtail | Adolfo's Cory | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 6 cm | 12 cm | 6 cm |
| Min tank | 60 L | 100 L | 48 L |
| Group | 3+ | 3+ | 4+ |
| Temperature | 68–79°F (20–26°C) | 72–82°F (22–28°C) | 68–79°F (20–26°C) |
| Eats shrimp | Shrimplets only | Yes | Shrimplets only |