The only precise platy fish beginners guide

Platy fish is available in every local fish store across the globe, they are popular for there colors and active nature

Why need a beginner’s guide for platy fish? Platy fish is the second most popular fish in the fish keeping hobby and one of the most preferred planted tank fish and it is important to educate the new hobbyist who would want to keep these beauties in their aquarium. This precise beginner’s guide would be handy for every new hobbyist.

Platy Fish – Overview

Category	Description
Common Name	Platy
Scientific Name	3 species of platy is available. Southern Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) Variable Platy (Xiphophorus variatus) Swordtail Platy (Xiphophorus xiphidium)
Habitat or Origin	They are natives of Southern Platy Species that are native to North and Central America. Variable Platy Species are native to North-Eastern Mexico. Swordtail or Platy species are native to Mexico and Northern Central America.
Average Size	They are relatively small fishes. Southern Platy fish grows up to 6 cm or 2.4 inches, Variable platy grows up to 7 cm or 2.8 inches and Swordtails or platties grows up to 3.5 – 16 cm or 1.4 – 6.3 inches
Coloration	They are yellow, orange, blue, white and red in color
Life Span	They live for 3 years. If given good care they live even for 5 years
Diet	They are Omnivores. In wild, they feed on algae, plant matters, insects, larvae, fish eggs, and fry. In Captivity they feed on flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods as well as live foods like daphnia
Gender Identification	Males are slightly smaller than females. Females are large and have a plain body. Males have rod-shaped anal fins
Behavior	They are active fishes. They play around the tank. They go well with their own kind. They love plants.
Compatibility	Platy fish are compatible with small tetras and rasboras, cory catfish, snails, bristlenose plecos, and rainbowfish. Avoid mixing platies with guppies. Avoid aggressive fishes like Pushy, nippy fish like barbs and cichlids
Ideal Tank Conditions	Our Recommendation is 20 – 30 gallons. They enjoy hard water. A Group of 3 to 6 platies is good for a 30-gallon fish tank.
Water Parameters	The ideal pH to hold Platy fish is 6.8 to 8.5 and water hardness of 10-28 dGH. Water temperature should be between 70 – 80 Degree Fahrenheit (23 to 28 Degree Centigrade)
Breeding	It is very easy to breed platy fish. Male platy fish more often go after female platy trying to mate with them. Keep 2 or 3 females for one male platy. Having more females ensures that they don’t get stressed out due to male platies. Female patties give birth to 20 -50 babies per month at the right setup
Common Diseases	Since they are hardy fishes, Generally they are not affected by any diseases. Maintaining good water quality and a healthy diet prevents diseases
Approximate Cost	They are inexpensive and would around $2 – $4 USD. In Asia, it is available at 1/2 the price of the USA
What to look when buying	Look for Active fishes with bright eyes and big bellies
Species in the Market	Commonly available species are southern and variable platies. The most popular varieties available in the market are Mickey Mouse, sunburst, red wag, blue, bumblebee, and green lantern platies.