{"product_id":"assorted-platy-xiphophorus-maculatus","title":"Assorted Platy – Xiphophorus maculatus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAssorted Platy\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eXiphophorus maculatus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a colorful freshwater livebearer available in a variety of selectively bred colors and patterns. Assorted shipments may include red, orange, yellow, blue, black, wagtail, calico, tuxedo, or mixed-pattern individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlaties are peaceful, active, and relatively easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginner and community aquariums. They do especially well in moderately hard to hard, mineral-rich freshwater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvailable in assorted colors and patterns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful freshwater livebearer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent community aquarium fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive and easy to observe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood choice for beginner aquarists\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrefers moderately hard to hard water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOmnivorous and easy to feed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan reproduce readily in the aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFish Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Assorted Platy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eXiphophorus maculatus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Poeciliidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1.5–2.5 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSwimming Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Middle to upper levels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beginner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eColor and Appearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssorted Platies may display many different colors and patterns depending on the shipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon varieties may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrange\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYellow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWagtail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCalico\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTuxedo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMixed and multicolor patterns\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExact coloration and pattern will vary by individual fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlaties remain relatively small. FishBase reports a maximum total length of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e4 cm for males and 6 cm for females\u003c\/strong\u003e. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e10-gallon aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e can accommodate a small group, but a \u003cstrong\u003e20-gallon aquarium or larger\u003c\/strong\u003e is preferable for better swimming room, water stability, and management of potential fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Water Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 70–78°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 7.0–8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard to hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kept low through routine maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFishBase lists the species at approximately pH 7.0–8.0 and 9–19 dH. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a fully cycled freshwater aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide reliable biological filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain good surface agitation and oxygenation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd live or artificial plants for shelter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeave open swimming areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a secure aquarium lid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerform regular partial water changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssorted Platies are omnivores and accept a wide variety of aquarium foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality tropical flakes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirulina or algae-based foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrozen daphnia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBloodworms as an occasional supplemental food\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft vegetable matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFishBase reports that wild platies feed on worms, crustaceans, insects, and plant matter, so a varied aquarium diet is appropriate. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlaties are generally peaceful and work very well in community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are social but do not need to school tightly. Keeping several together usually produces more natural activity and behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther platies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuppies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMollies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwordtails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful rainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorydoras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful rasboras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHard-water tolerant tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther peaceful community fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid highly aggressive fish or species large enough to eat them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMale vs. Female\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMales have a narrow, pointed reproductive anal fin called a \u003cstrong\u003egonopodium\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemales have a broader, fan-shaped anal fin and generally grow somewhat larger and fuller-bodied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMale-to-Female Ratio\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf keeping mixed sexes, a ratio of approximately \u003cstrong\u003eone male to two or three females\u003c\/strong\u003e can help reduce persistent male attention toward individual females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale-only or female-only groups may also be maintained if breeding is not desired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlaties are livebearers, meaning females give birth to free-swimming fry instead of laying eggs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey reproduce readily in aquariums. FishBase notes a gestation period of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e24–30 days\u003c\/strong\u003e, with reported broods of about \u003cstrong\u003e20–80 young\u003c\/strong\u003e. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemales may store sperm and can produce additional broods after mating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProtecting Fry\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf fry survival is desired, provide plenty of dense cover such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJava moss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuppy grass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFloating plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater sprite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFine-leaved stem plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult fish may eat newborn fry when sufficient cover is not available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlants and Aquascaping\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssorted Platies work especially well in planted community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable plants include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnubias\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJava fern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCryptocoryne\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmazon swords\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVallisneria\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJava moss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFloating plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Platies Need Aquarium Salt?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. Routine aquarium salt is not required for healthy platies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable, moderately hard to hard, mineral-rich freshwater is generally more important for long-term care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Care Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep in a fully cycled aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide moderately hard to hard water when possible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed a varied diet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlan for rapid reproduction if keeping males and females together.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide plants or cover if fry survival is desired.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNever release aquarium fish into local waterways.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat colors come in an Assorted Platy shipment?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eColors vary by shipment and may include red, orange, yellow, black, blue, wagtail, calico, tuxedo, and mixed patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow large do Assorted Platies get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost adults remain around 1.5–2.5 inches, with females generally becoming larger than males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Platies peaceful?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They are generally peaceful and make excellent community aquarium fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Platies good beginner fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They are hardy, adaptable, and easy to feed when kept in a properly cycled aquarium with suitable water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan different Platy colors live together?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Different color varieties have the same general care requirements and can be maintained together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Platies give birth to live babies?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They are livebearers and can reproduce readily when males and females are housed together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Platies need aquarium salt?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Aquarium salt is not required for routine care. Mineral-rich freshwater is generally sufficient.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssorted Platies are available at \u003cstrong\u003eTropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/strong\u003e in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive fish are available for \u003cstrong\u003ein-store purchase or local pickup only\u003c\/strong\u003e and are not available for shipping.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54880253018325,"sku":null,"price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_e7330b94-e79c-4468-8be7-d4901cc18119.jpg?v=1788988243","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/assorted-platy-xiphophorus-maculatus","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}