Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
Also known as Southern Platy, Moonfish
Edited by Ivan F. · Reviewed
Beginner verdict
A cheerful, colorful and very peaceful livebearer, and among the easiest fish a beginner can keep. Platies get along with most community fish and even the males tolerate each other. Just expect a steady supply of babies, and keep them in moderately hard water for the best health.
Care at a glance
- Min tank size
- 14 US gal
- Footprint
- 24 x 12 in
- Temperature
- 68–79 °F
- pH
- 7–8.2
- Hardness
- 10–30 dGH
- Swim zone
- Top
- Min group
- 3 fish
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
Platy care mistakes to avoid
The mistakes beginners most often make with this species.
- Do not buy just one or two. Keep at least 3 fish so they feel secure.
- Keep more females than males, because males are relentless in their attention.
- Expect fry. Batches will keep coming, so plan where they will go.
- Check your water. Very soft, acidic water leaves livebearers weak and sickly.
- Check your tank before you buy. Our sourced minimum is 14 US gallons.
Platy tank mates and swim zone
Top
Spends most of its time in this part of the tank.
Paracheirodon innesi
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Hemigrammus erythrozonus
Trigonostigma heteromorpha
Trigonostigma espei
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Their pH ranges barely overlap, so you will have little room for error.
Boraras brigittae
Chili Rasbora is small and shy, and is easily outcompeted for food by Platy.
Danio margaritatus
Celestial Pearl Danio is small and shy, and is easily outcompeted for food by Platy.
Betta splendens
Betta often does best alone. Only try this in a larger, planted tank, and watch closely.
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Melanotaenia boesemani
Their temperature ranges do not overlap, so one of them would always be stressed.
Platy feeding and care
How to feed
- Feed flakes with some vegetable content, such as spirulina.
- Add frozen or live foods for variety, which they take eagerly.
- Feed small portions you can see finished within a couple of minutes, because overfeeding fouls the water fast.
Telling males from females
Males are smaller and have a pointed anal fin called a gonopodium. Females are larger with a fan-shaped anal fin.
Plants that suit it
Species facts
- Family
- Poeciliidae
- Native to
- Southern Mexico to northern Honduras
- Adult size
- 2 in (5 cm)
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social needs
- Harem/Pairs
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Water flow
- Gentle
- Substrate
- Any
- Live plants
- Yes - Loves Plants
- Shrimp
- Adult Shrimp Only
- Fin nipping
- None
- Vulnerable to nippers
- No
- Breeding
- Easy Livebearer
Platy FAQ
What size tank do Platies need?
Our sourced minimum is 14 US gallons (54 liters), with a footprint of 60 x 30 cm. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many Platies should I keep?
Keep at least 3 fish. Bigger groups usually look better and behave more confidently.
What can live with Platies?
Good matches on our list include Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetra and Black Neon Tetra. Avoid Pygmy Corydoras and Kuhli Loach.
How long do Platies live?
Care guides report about 3–5 years. Stable water and a good diet make the biggest difference.
Do platies eat their babies?
Yes, adults will eat fry. Dense plants like hornwort or java moss give enough babies a place to hide and survive.
Where to buy Platy
We have not found a store that sells Platy under its scientific name yet. We add stores as we confirm them.
Live animals and plants travel by courier. Check the store's live-arrival guarantee, and only buy once your tank has cycled (see how to cycle a fish tank).
Some US states restrict certain species. Check our US state aquarium rules table and your state's own rules before you buy.
Complete the tank
A forgiving setup with room for a small community.
Tank size for this species
At least 14 US gallons (54 L), 60 x 30 cm footprint
Filter
Hang-on-back or large sponge filter
Easy to maintain and strong enough for a community without blasting the fish.
We are still choosing products for this.
Heater
Adjustable heater, about 5 W per gallon: 100 W at 20 gallons, about 150 W at 29
Enough power to hold a stable temperature in most homes. Size up for a cold room.
We are still choosing products for this.
Water Conditioner
Dechlorinator such as Seachem Prime
Tap water contains chlorine or chloramine that harms fish.
Seachem Prime US
Fritz Complete Water Conditioner US
API Betta Water Conditioner US
sera aquatan Spain
Tetra AquaSafe Spain
Maker's page · Sold at Kiwoko · Sold at Tiendanimal · Sold at zooplus.es
Why we chose these (Best Water Conditioner for Betta Fish). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Test Kit
Liquid kit such as API Freshwater Master
Tracks ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH while the tank cycles.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit US
API General & Carbonate Hardness Test Kit US
Maker's page · Sold at The Shrimp Farm · Sold at Bulk Reef Supply
sera aqua-test box (Cl) Spain
JBL PROAQUATEST COMBISET Plus NH4 Spain
Why we chose these (Best Test Kit for a Freshwater Aquarium). Nobody here has used or tested them.
Cycle the tank before adding animals. See our guide on how to cycle a fish tank.