Species profile
Hi Fin Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus domestic form
Peaceful
Easy care
60 L minimum aquarium
4–6 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 3
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Domestic high-dorsal Platy form. Hardy and social, but best in genuinely mineral-rich water and with female-biased sex ratios.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–25 °C
pH
7–8
GH
8–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 3
Tank zone
Top mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Fry
Bioload factor
0.9
Keep one male with multiple females where both sexes are present; persistent courtship can exhaust isolated females. Adults will eat fry they can catch.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Alternative names
Hi Fin Platy, Highfin Platy, Hi-fin Platy, Xiphophorus maculatus domestic form
Native range
Captive domestic trade form; wild Xiphophorus maculatus ancestry is Central American, but fancy Platy lines can have mixed Xiphophorus ancestry.
Natural habitat
Well-planted community aquarium with open swimming room, stable hard/alkaline mineral-rich water and gentle-to-moderate circulation.
Diet & feeding
Omnivorous grazer; feed varied flakes/granules with vegetable/algal content and occasional frozen/live foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males possess a gonopodium and are usually smaller/slimmer; females have a fan-shaped anal fin and fuller body.
Breeding
Prolific livebearer. Females can store sperm and produce repeated broods; dense plants improve fry survival.