Platy Mickey Mouse

🐟 Platy – Mickey Mouse

Xiphophorus maculatus (“Platy” livebearer with iconic “Mickey Mouse” tail spot)

🌟 Quick Overview

• Named for the black “hidden Mickey” spot at the base of the tail/fins 
• Available in vibrant colors including yellow, gold, orange, red, blue—with consistent Mickey marking across varieties 

🏡 Care & Habitat

• Tank size: Minimum 10 gallons, ideally planted with open swimming spaces 
• Temperature: 64–77 °F (18–25 °C) 
• Water conditions: pH 7.0–8.2; moderate to hard (10–25 dGH) 

🥗 Diet & Feeding

• Omnivorous & easy to feed—accepts flake, pellet, freeze-dried, frozen, live foods, and fresh veggies like zucchini or peas 
• Feed small amounts 1–3 times daily, only as much as consumed within 1–2 minutes to avoid waste

🐠 Behavior & Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful and friendly—ideal for community tanks. Does well with guppies, mollies, tetras, Corydoras, or bristlenose plecos Group behavior: Best kept in small groups; males may harass females—keep at least a 1:2 male‑to‑female ratio 

🧬 Breeding & Lifespan

• Livebearer species: Females give birth to 20–60 fully formed fry about every 30 days. They can store sperm and produce multiple broods after one mating 
• Fry survival: Provide dense plants or breeder traps to protect fry from adult fish
• Lifespan: Typically 3–5 years with proper care