What is the difference between a platy and a Variatus?
Platies are laterally compressed fish, stocky with relatively compact fins and a fan-shaped tail, with the exception of varieties bred for larger fins. The Southern and Variatus Platies are both short, stocky fish, though the Variegated is the slimmer and more elongated of the two.
Are platy good fish?
Platy fish are the “old reliables” of the fish-keeping community. Introduced into the trade well over 100 years ago, they’ve been captivating enthusiasts ever since. Thanks to their easy-going nature and general hardiness, these freshwater fish are an excellent choice for beginners.
What is the biggest platy fish?
The variatus platy (Xiphophorus variatus) grows to a maximum overall length of 7.0 cm (2.8 in).
Is platy a Molly?
The main difference between a Platy and a Molly is that they belong to different species. The Molly is from the Poecilia family and the Platy from the genus Xiphophorus which means they cannot interbreed. If you wish to learn what makes up the Molly and Platy family and how to tell them apart, please read on.
How many platies should be kept together?
How many platies should be kept together? A group of three to six platies is a good starting point. As with most livebearers, the males constantly want to mate, so try to keep at least two females for every one male to give the girls a break.
How do you look after Variatus platys?
Platy fish are easy to care for because these fish are hardy and can tolerate most tank conditions. They do best in the company of their own kind and require a tank that simulates their natural habitat. Platy fish are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet of frozen and live foods, pellets, flakes, and vegetables.
What is the rarest Platy color?
Neon Gold Calico This variety is very rare, but also absolutely gorgeous. Their heads are an orange color that bleeds into an iridescent yellow/gold on their bodies.
How many platies should I keep together?
Are platies easy to keep?
The two most common species are Southern platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) and Variatus platy (Xiphophorus variatus). As most other species from the Poeciliidae family, platies are great fish for both beginners and experienced aquarists. They are easy to keep and breed and their potential is great.
Should I get guppies or platies?
Platies are slightly bigger than guppies and require a bit more swimming space. Both guppies and platies live in swarm, so you can’t just buy one guppy and one platy. They will not do well when are kept alone. So if you plan to keep multiple guppies and platies together, you should definitely choose a larger aquarium.
What do platys like in their tank?
Platies can live in a 10- to 20-gallon aquarium or larger. Most livebearers prefer higher pH, but platies can tolerate a very wide range from 6.8-8.5 in our experience. They also enjoy harder water, so if your tap water is especially soft, consider adding more minerals using Seachem Equilibrium or Wonder Shell.
How big do high fin platys get?
General info about Hi Fin Platy These fish are white with red markings, females can reach up to 3 inches while males only reach up to 2 inches. To keep these fish in captivity, water pH should be between 7.0 and 8.2 and water temperature should range from 70°F to 77°F.
Are platys easy to keep?
Do platy fish need a heater?
Platies and other tropical freshwater fish (such as mollies or guppies) necessitate an aquarium heater, so make sure you get one if you plan on keeping them in your tank. Aquarium heaters come in a variety of price points, so you’ll be able to choose one that fits your budget.
What size tank does a Platy need?
10- to 20-gallon aquarium
Platies can live in a 10- to 20-gallon aquarium or larger. Most livebearers prefer higher pH, but platies can tolerate a very wide range from 6.8-8.5 in our experience. They also enjoy harder water, so if your tap water is especially soft, consider adding more minerals using Seachem Equilibrium or Wonder Shell.
Do platys need plants?
Platy fish prefer water on the alkaline side. Plants should be hardy and able to tolerate similar water conditions. Ideal plants include hornwort, duckweed, and java moss. Create the ideal environment with plants, a gentle filtration system, and clean water with moderate hardness.
Can a guppy get a platy pregnant?
Guppy males are so active, that they will often mate with other fish, even male platies. Often they don’t care, just want to reproduce. Unfortunately, form these breeding attempts, there will be no fry. Guppies can’t impregnate platy fish, so they will not produce any fry.
How many platies should you keep together?
What kind of fish is Highfin Sunset Highfin?
Sunset Highfin Variatus Live-bearer Aquarium Fish. Xiphophorus variatus. The Sunset Variatus are one of the farm-raised color morphs of the wild type originally found in southern Mexico. The Sunset Variatus has a yellow and red body color. The Variatus is generally more elongated than its close cousin the Platy.
What kind of fish is a redtail variatus?
Blue Redtail Variatus Regular Xiphophorus variatus The variatus, also known as the variatus platy or the variable platyfish is a species of freshwater fish in the Poecilidae family. These are very friendly fish to keep in the aquarium. They do not have…
What kind of fish is a variatus platy?
The variatus platy (Xiphophorus variatus), also known as variable platyfish or variegated platy, is a species of freshwater fish in family Poecilidae of order Cyprinodontiformes. A live-bearer, it is native to southern Tamaulipas and northern Veracruz states in northeastern Mexico.
What does a sunset variatus look like?
The Sunset Variatus has a yellow and red body color. The Variatus is generally more elongated than its close cousin the Platy. The Variatus will prefer a densely planted tank and can be kept in pairs or groups.