Among the various colored fish, the Platies fish maintains very high popularity among aquarists for good reasons, one of which is its variety of colors. Although rarely found in purple, the platies fish come in almost every color of the rainbow, As well as in black and white. This breed is very peaceful, which makes them a great fish for community aquariums. The Platies fish is a member of the genus Xiphophorus.
A freshwater fish that is popular with many people who love the variety of colors, platies are easy to care for freshwater fish. It’s fun to watch them swimming around as they enjoy their tank and living space. They will also thrive in a community aquarium where other types of tropical freshwater fish live together peacefully. If you’re looking for a great starter pet or a new addition to your already established aquarium, then platies may be perfect for you!
Characteristics of Platies Fish
The Platies fish is a laterally compressed fish, with relatively compact fins and a fan-shaped tail. Except varieties bred with larger fins, Southern platies and Variatus are shorter and heavier fish. Although the Variegated is the thinnest and most elongated of the two, both also lack the extended tail fin or sword. A rare species to obtain, but also impressive is the species Swordtail Platies Xiphophorus xiphidium, which has a small extension in the tail.
Along with the fish Mollys, Guppys and Swordfish, the Platies fish is also a member of the family of Poeciliidae that is distinguished by having teeth in their upper and lower jaws. The Southern Platies females have a length of up to 7 cm, while the males are somewhat smaller than 6 cm. On the other hand, the Platies Variegated females can reach up to 9 cm, the males are also smaller, and the size of these fish varies greatly depending on sex and variety.
In general, the males of each species rarely exceed 4 cm in length, although the variable Platies fish occasionally exceed this. The female, however, is noticeably larger in all species, easily reaching up to 7 cm as it blooms. In the male fish, the middle rays of its anal fin are transformed into a narrow copulatory organ with a strong hook called gonopodium.
The platies male fish do not show their colors until they are mature and will observe better if the aquarium stays at a cooler end of its temperature range. This breed can be expected to live around 3 years, although they can live 5 years or more with optimal care. The coloration of the Platies fish is very variable, most are based on the red and yellow parts of its body. You may also like to read Guppies.
With other varieties, they have black, white, greenish, and even blue coloration. So many beautiful color variations and hybrids have developed. It is difficult to find original purebred strains today, pure breeds are more the exception rather than the rule. The wild colorations of pure-bred platinum species are many and varied. But they depend on the fluvial systems where this fish originates, each also has a slightly different color range.
Feeding
These fish are considered omnivores, but Platies fish have very high herbivorous requirements. And its diet needs to include lots of seaweed and other vegetation. In the wild, its diet consists of worms, crustaceans, insects, and some vegetable matter. In the aquarium, this breed will gladly eat the most commercially prepared fish foods, as well as live and vegetable complementary foods. Feed with salted shrimp either live or frozen, blood worms as a continuous process.
This species will enjoy proteins, but it must also have a lot of vegetation in its diet. The Platies fish seems to have little preference in the food with which it feeds. A good and varied diet is essential for the health and long life of most aquarium fish, including this species. A diet rich in vitamins stimulates better coloration. The platies’ fish occasionally consume algae inside the aquarium. This fish is not a demanding eater. But it must be fed a diverse diet and several times a day in small quantities.
Behavior
The Platies fish is an excellent fish for community aquariums because it is a very calm but active fish. This breed doesn’t look for problems with other tank mates and enjoys swimming in grouped schools comfortably. The males occasionally fight with each other, but usually without hurting each other. These fish can be housed with fish of similar temperament and size that have the same chemical requirements of water. Many aquarists choose to keep it with their relatives, Molly and Guppy, in a tank of the Amazonian geographic theme. This friendly fish blends well with all the small fish of this good nature. Among them, the armed catfish, tetras, and other characins are very good aquarium companions.
Reproduction
This fish easily reproduces in the domestic aquarium without special attention if it feeds well and takes care of itself. Young specimens reach sexual maturity at four months of age. And this breed can quickly overpopulate an aquarium. For the breeding of platies, it only takes a little more than introducing both sexes in the aquarium. For the selective breeding of the platies fish, a breeding tank must be provided which must be 10 to 20 gallons of water with a soft filtration.
The breeder will notice that a female is pregnant when she develops a gravid spot. A dark mark on it abdomen will indicate that the gestation period is 24 to 30 days. In a community aquarium, the young specimens will be consumed by other tankmates, unless they are removed. To isolate, the breeder must use an aquarium for puppies. And also the breeder can supply the aquarium with enough space so that the fish can hide with densely rooted or floating plants. The female Platies fish can have between 20 and 80 fingerlings, but will generally produce 20-40 youngsters at a time.
Aquarius
The Platies fish generally do not present health problems and are undemanding. As long as the pH of the aquarium is not too low, it will be fine. Water changes should be made regularly to ensure that the decomposition of the waste does not cause PH changes or introduce too many toxins into the water. The tank should have regular water changes of 25% every 2 or 4 weeks. Will depend more or less on how many fish there are and the condition of the water.
Good water conditions are especially important for all fish. Since it will quickly deteriorate in an environment that does not comply with these characteristics. It is also advisable, as in most of the cichlid family, to add 1 to 1.25 teaspoons of aquarium salt per gallon. Breeders should only replace the water with saltwater if the water has been removed from the tank.
FAQ
How many Platies should be kept together?
Platies are social fish and do best when kept in groups of at least three, but preferably more. This will help them to feel secure and comfortable in their environment, as well as provide opportunities for natural behaviours such as schooling. When keeping platies together, it is important to make sure the tank is large enough to accommodate the group, as overcrowding can lead to stress and health issues. Additionally, it is helpful to maintain a good balance of male and female platies so that they can reproduce naturally. If you have an even number of platies, try to keep an equal ratio of males and females for a healthier dynamic among the group.
What fish can I put with platys?
Platys are peaceful and easy to care for fish, so they can be kept with many other species. Some of the most popular tankmates for platys include guppies, mollies, swordtails, and tetras. All of these fish are small, peaceful, and do well in similar water conditions as platys. It is important to keep in mind that platys can be nippy towards other fish with long fins like angelfish and bettas. Additionally, it is important to have enough space in the tank for all your fish. A good rule of thumb is 1 gallon per inch of adult fish. Finally, it is best to introduce new tankmates slowly by adding them one at a time so that any aggression or territorial behaviour can be monitored.
How long do platies fish live for?
Platies fish typically live for 2-3 years, although some can live up to 5 years. They are considered a hardy and resilient species of fish which makes them a popular choice for home aquariums. To maximize the lifespan of your platies fish, it is important to provide them with a clean and healthy environment. This includes regular water changes, appropriate water temperature and pH levels, and an adequate diet. Additionally, it is important to avoid overcrowding the tank as this can cause stress on the fish which may lead to reduced lifespans.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new pet that would fit well in your family or be an easy addition to your established aquarium, then platies may be perfect for you! Their freshwater nature makes them very low-maintenance and their variety of colors makes them fun to watch. They are also compatible with other types of tropical fish making them the ideal starter freshwater fish. We hope that this guide has helped you understand more about platies and how to care for them. If you found it helpful, please share it with anyone else who may be interested in getting a new pet fish today! Good luck with your search!
As a reference: Wikipedia
