All fish / Poeciliidae

Variatus Platy

Xiphophorus variatus

Also known as variable platy, variegated platy, sunset platy, marigold platy, hifin variatus, platy, variatus, painted platy, ปลาเพลตี้, ikan platy, ヴァリアタス, プラティ

A small, sturdy livebearer that can be told apart from the common platy by its slimmer build and the bright yellow, orange or red fins and bluish flanks of mature males. Wild-type and many cultivated colour forms exist, and it suits cooler community tanks well, so it is a popular choice for beginners.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

18 to 25 °C

pH

7 to 8.2

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 5 or more, with more females than males

Diet

Omnivore: quality flakes, plant and algae based foods, small frozen or live foods such as daphnia and bloodworm

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

2 to 4 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Mexico: Atlantic slope, from southern Tamaulipas to northern Veracruz

Breeding

A livebearer that gives birth to broods of roughly 20 to 80 fully formed fry about every four weeks. It breeds readily in captivity, and dense plants help the fry avoid being eaten by adults.

Good to know

It prefers cooler, harder water than many tropical fish and does poorly when kept warm for long periods. It hybridises easily with other platies and swordtails, so keep species apart if you want pure stock.