Species profile
Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
Peaceful
Easy care
70 L minimum aquarium
3–6 cm adult size
Top mid
Minimum group: 3
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Hardy livebearer best in hard, alkaline water with plenty of plant cover. Most aquarium platies are domestic colour strains and some commercial lines have hybrid ancestry.
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
0.8
Peaceful but males court females persistently. Keep several females per male or choose a single-sex group if unwanted fry are a concern.
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
70 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Xiphophorus maculatus
Alternative names
Southern Platyfish, Common Platy
Native range
Central America; wild Xiphophorus maculatus occurs in warm springs, canals and slow vegetated waters.
Natural habitat
Slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters. Dense planting gives shelter to adults and fry while open areas allow social display.
Diet & feeding
Feed quality flake/pellets with a meaningful plant/algal component plus small frozen foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males have a gonopodium; females are larger and possess a normal fan-shaped anal fin.
Breeding
Livebearer. Females give birth to free-swimming young and may retain sperm for later broods; adults readily eat fry.