Types of Platy Fish

Описание: The common name “Platy” is derived from the original generic family name of this fish, Platypoecilus (which later became Poeciliidae). In reality, Platies stem from two related species of freshwater fish in the genus Xiphophorus, namely X. hellerii and X. maculatus, both of which are native to an area of North and Central America stretching fromVeracruz andMexico, to northernBelize. Both species are livebearers, similar to other fish of the family, such as the guppies and mollies.

The two species, the southern platyfish and the variatus platy, have been interbred to the point where they are difficult to distinguish. In fact, most platies now sold in aquariums are hybrids of X. hellerii and X. maculatus. The southern platyfish, is sometimes also known as moonfish or mickey mouse platy. While wild varieties are drab in coloration, lacking the distinctive dark lateral line common to many Xiphophorus species, breeders have developed a multitude of colour varieties, for example, orange, red, yellow, red/black, and black/white. Nowadays there is even albino platy with red coloured eyes, as well as mottled and marbled ones. Color and fin shape also vary wildly in the aquarium trade. Curiously, in general, if the male has a sword-shaped tail, they are called ‘swordtails’! Otherwise, they are labeled ‘platy’.

Platies grow to a maximum overall length of 6 to 7 cm. Sexual dimorphism is slight, but the male’s caudal fin is more pointed. Also, the anal fin of the male has evolved into a gonopodium, a stick-shaped organ used for reproduction. The female anal fin is fan shaped.

They are omnivorous, and their diet includes both plants, as well as small crustaceans, insects, and annelid worms.

Because of their hardiness, Platys are easy to keep and are well suited to a community aquarium, provided there is lots of space. They prefer water with a 7.0–8.0 pH, a water hardness of 9.0–19.0 dGH, and a temperature range of 18 to 25°C (64–77°F). In terms of tolerance to high nitrite and nitrate levels, they can withstand fluctuations much better than any other fish and because of that, platies are always used as starter fish for a beginner’s tank.