Scientific Classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Actinopterygii
Order:Cyprinodontiformes
Family:Poeciliidae
Genus:Xiphophorus
Species:variatus
IUCN Status:Least Concern
Quick Stats
Difficulty
Easy
Environment
Freshwater
Temperature
20°C - 25°C
pH Level
7 - 8.2
Water Hardness
90 - 360 ppm
Lifespan
3 years
Origin
Mexico
Adult Size
4 - 7 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Creature Type
Fish
TDS
450 ppm
Water Flow
Low Flow
About This Species
The Variatus Platy, also known as the Variable Platy, is a fantastic choice for anyone starting their first aquarium. Its 'easy' difficulty rating is well-earned, as it's a hardy fish that can adapt to a range of common tap water conditions. True to its 'variable' name, this species comes in a dazzling array of colors and patterns, including reds, yellows, blues, and blacks, often mixed together on a single fish. This means a small group can instantly make a tank look vibrant and lively. They are active and social creatures who are happiest in a group of five or more. Watching them explore the top and middle levels of the tank is a constant source of enjoyment. Feeding is simple; they are not picky and will eagerly accept standard fish flakes. For a treat, you can offer them small pieces of vegetables like zucchini or specialized frozen foods. One important thing for beginners to know is that they are livebearers, meaning females give birth to tiny, free-swimming baby fish. If you have both males and females, you can expect to have fry without any special effort, which can be an exciting experience. Their peaceful nature makes them great community fish, getting along well with other small, non-aggressive species.
Aquarium Building Information
Minimum Tank Size
40L
Swimming Zone
top, middle
Minimum School Size
5+
Special Requirements
Oxygen Consumption
Medium
Waste Production
Medium
Feeding Frequency
Daily
Metabolism Rate
Medium
Activity Level
Active
Food Types
Flakes, Pellets, Frozen Food, Live Food, Vegetables, Algae
Generate Printable Card
Create a printable card for this creature to display in your store or aquarium. The card includes a QR code for quick access to more information.