Description

The Platy fish, Xiphophorus maculatus, It is very Widespread among fans at the aquatics like other fish of the Family poeciliids, also very easy to care, how the guppys o los mollys. The result of natural hybridization or induced by breeders, the variety of fish of the Platy market is huge. I think there is a Platy fish for each of the colors of the rainbow: Platys scarlet red color, Platys blue, to Platys black. Some of the names are really original and suggestive: Platy Rainbow, Platy Panda, Platy Gold, Platy Mickey Mouse…In most cases, The names refer to the morphological qualities of the fish.

Morphology

Platy released the fish is usually colored olive, Nevertheless the colorations available for sale, as I commented, they are huge. Usually they grow to between five and six centimeters, being the male (3,5 cms.) somewhat smaller than the female (6 cms.), which it is usually larger and rounded. It is possible to distinguish females from males Platy, because the latter have organ player, called gonopodium, a modification of its anal fin tubelike. They have an elongated shape, wherein the convex belly to the back of the fish. The mouth of the fish is oriented upward, Typical habituated to eating fish surface. We distinguish two types of fish Platy, those with veil flap, it is merely a more developed dorsal fin and tail needle having, very similar to the tail swordfish.

Distribution and habitat

The natural habitat of the Platy is in calm waters of streams and rivers, coastal regions of Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Belize.

Aquarium conditions

The Platy fish You need an aquarium of about eighty liters, well planted and with a temperature between 20º C and 26º. The pH of the water should be maintained between 7 y eight,2. They occupy the upper space of the tank, Swimmers are surface, that is where they usually find their food. The abundance of vegetation, among which must be included surface plants, It is because they need some privacy, are by nature somewhat shy fish.

Diet

El Xiphophorus maculatus It is an omnivorous fish, accept any specific dry food, although in your diet should include insects live or frozen, crustaceans and vegetables. If the aquarium is shared with other species, We look forward to eat enough, as they are quite passive and will not fight for food.

Behavior

It is a very peaceful species, They are not aggressive with any other species. We can see them moving throughout the day, almost nonstop. They are a gregarious species, we need to introduce a small group in the aquarium, so that health conditions are optimal. In this sense, They should be introduced to the least three females per male, so that will reduce the risk of rivalry between males, commonly faced by females in mating season.

Compatible Platy fish

Cohabit very well with fish with sharing size, temperament and require similar conditions aquarium. For example, will be perfect with Mollys, Sword fish tail or Guppys. Like a fish swimming in surface, others can be searched using the rest of the aquarium, like corydoras occupying the bottom.

Reproduction

El Xiphophorus maculatus it reproduces easily, even in a community aquarium in which share space with other fish. For a higher success rate and although not usually eat their young, If we want to raise fish Platy couples should set aside at the time of spawning, for once it has occurred, remove adult fish. Another reason to keep an aquarium breeding, is that in the days before, the male is usually displayed somewhat aggressive and can disturb other fish with their train. The Platy pregnant will have a gestation period of between 4 Y 6 weeks, to produce up to eighty fry in each set.

Tips

Is little we find recurring Platy wild fish for sale, usually it is to be bred in captivity, within the different existing varieties, Most popular are: Coral. Platy fish red or orange. Sunset. Platy fish bicolor. Wag-tail. Platy fish with one or two colors, with the exception of the fins are black coloration. blue. Platy fish bluish, with some reflections golden coloration. Mickey. Platy fish with a tail fin in which we find three black spots, slightly reminiscent of Mickey Mouse. Tuxedo. Platy fish of different colors, but with a characteristic strip of black color. Kite. Platy fish with a tail fin clearly marked by two black stripes on the edges. Spotted. Pez Platy, to which is also called popularly salt and pepper. His body is covered with small black spots. Luna. Platy fish ranging from pink to red or orange. It has a round stain on his pendulum, In addition to carrying the drawing Mickey Mouse Platy, but without the macha in its rear wing. Cálico. Platy fish bicolor. One of tones covers the front of the fish, and the other covering the back. Platy Cálico the red and yellow, are called sunset. Pineapple. Platy fish entirely yellow, except head of brown shade.