{"product_id":"red-wag-platy-xiphophorus-maculatus","title":"Red Wag Platy – Xiphophorus maculatus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRed Wag Platy\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eXiphophorus maculatus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a colorful freshwater livebearer known for its bright red to orange body and contrasting dark black fins. Its bold coloration, peaceful temperament, and active personality make it a popular choice for beginner and community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Wag Platies are hardy, social fish that do best in stable, mineral-rich freshwater. They are livebearers, meaning females give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs, and healthy adults may reproduce readily in the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBright red to orange body coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContrasting black fins and tail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful freshwater livebearer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent community aquarium fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood choice for beginner aquarists\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive and easy to observe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrefers moderately hard to hard, alkaline water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOmnivorous and easy to feed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMay 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 Red Wag 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\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater livebearer\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 and social\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\u003eRed Wag Platies typically display a bright red, orange-red, or scarlet body with distinctly dark fins. The contrast between the bright body and black tail, dorsal fin, and other fin areas creates the classic “wag” appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndividual coloration and the amount of black may vary from fish to fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e10-gallon aquarium may accommodate a very small group\u003c\/strong\u003e, but a \u003cstrong\u003e20-gallon aquarium or larger\u003c\/strong\u003e is a better choice for maintaining several platies and provides more swimming room, water stability, and space for potential fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarger aquariums are especially useful when keeping mixed males and females because platies can reproduce quickly.\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\u003ePlaties generally thrive in mineral-rich water and often perform better in moderately hard or hard water than in very soft, acidic conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Wag Platies are adaptable but appreciate an established aquarium with reliable filtration and a mixture of open swimming space and planted areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a fully cycled freshwater aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide dependable filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintain good surface agitation and oxygenation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd live or artificial plants for cover\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\u003eRed Wag Platies are omnivores and accept a wide variety of aquarium foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA balanced diet may include:\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 aquarium-safe vegetable matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed small portions once or twice daily, offering only what the fish can consume within a few minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperament and Social Behavior\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Wag Platies are generally peaceful and work well in community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey do not need to school tightly, but they are social fish and are usually more active when kept with other platies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMales may pursue females frequently. If keeping mixed sexes, a ratio of approximately \u003cstrong\u003eone male to two or three females\u003c\/strong\u003e can help reduce persistent attention toward individual females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood tankmates may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther platies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMollies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwordtails\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuppies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful danios\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful barbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHard-water tolerant tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorydoras that tolerate similar water conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful rainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther similarly sized community fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid highly aggressive species or large fish capable of eating them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMale vs. Female\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult males have a narrow, pointed reproductive fin called a \u003cstrong\u003egonopodium\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemales have a broader, fan-shaped anal fin and typically grow somewhat larger and fuller-bodied than males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Wag Platies are livebearers and may breed readily in a healthy aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFemales give birth to fully formed, free-swimming fry. They can also store sperm and may produce additional broods after mating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want fry to survive, provide:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDense live plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFloating plants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJava moss or other fine cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA separate grow-out tank when practical\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\u003eRed Wag Platies work especially well in planted community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood plant choices 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\u003cp\u003ePlants provide shelter for adults and are particularly helpful for protecting newborn fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAcclimation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTurn off the aquarium lights before introducing the fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFloat the unopened transport bag for approximately 15–20 minutes to equalize temperature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGradually introduce small amounts of aquarium water into the bag or acclimation container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarefully net the fish into the aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid adding transport water to the display aquarium when practical.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeave the lights off for several hours while the fish settles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuarantine new fish before adding them to an established aquarium whenever a suitable quarantine system is available.\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 that includes some plant-based foods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlan for potential reproduction when keeping males and females together.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide adequate cover for fry if breeding 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\u003eHow large do Red Wag Platies get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMales generally remain smaller, while females may reach approximately 2–2.5 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Red Wag Platies peaceful?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They are generally peaceful and make excellent community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they good beginner fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Platies are hardy, adaptable, and easy to feed when maintained in a properly cycled aquarium with suitable water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they need aquarium salt?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Platies do not require aquarium salt for routine care. Stable, mineral-rich freshwater is generally sufficient.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Red Wag Platies give birth to live babies?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Platies are livebearers and give birth to free-swimming fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow can I tell males from females?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMales have a pointed gonopodium, while females have a broader fan-shaped anal fin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan they live with mollies and guppies?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, provided the aquarium is appropriately sized and the species share compatible water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is my female platy getting larger?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA mature female may be carrying developing fry, particularly if she has been housed with males recently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Wag 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":54708273545429,"sku":null,"price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/red-wag-platy-xiphophorus-maculatus","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}