Xiphophorus variatus

From The Aquarium Wiki

Sunset Platy
Wild-Type Variatus Platy
Species	Xiphophorus variatus
Difficulty	Easy
Min. Tank Size	45.425 liters 45,424.941 mL 12 US Gallons (45.4L)
Size	7.62 cm 2-3 " (5.1-7.6cm)
pH	7.2 - 7.8
Temp.	296.15 K 73.4 °F 533.07 °R 301.15 K 82.4 °F 542.07 °R23 -28 °C (73.4-82.4°F)
Water Hardness	10-15
Stocking Ratio	1:2 M:F
Availability	Common
Diet	Omnivore Pellet Foods Flake Foods Live Foods
Life Span	3-5 years

[edit] Alternative names

Variatus Platy, Sunset Platy, Variegated Platy, Variable Platyfish

[edit] Other Scientific Names

Platypoecilus maculatus dorsalis, Platypoecilus variatus, Platypoecilus variegatus

Click here to see the various hybrid colour variations on the Platy.

[edit] Sexing

Females have a fan shaped anal fin and males have a gonopodium. These fish breed readily in the tank and produce 50-100 fry every four to six weeks.

[edit] Tank compatibility

A peaceful community fish. They must be kept in the ratio of one male per two-three females as the males will bully females. Males may also bully other livebearers.

[edit] Diet

Will accept most foods including pellet and flake as well as live/frozen food such as bloodworm and brine shrimp.

[edit] Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.

[edit] Environment Specifics

They prefer a spacious tank with open swimming space as well as hiding places. Hardy to most water types as long as extremes are avoided.

[edit] Behaviour

A peaceful social active fish.

[edit] Identification

An elongated fish with a fan-shaped caudal fin. The back is slightly arched, and the belly is full. The body colouration is variable, even on the original strain. Usually the flanks are yellowish to orange, to bluish with black spots. The dorsal fin is generally yellow and the caudal fin is red. Females are generally less colorful.

Through selective breeding various cultivated varieties are available including the Marigold, Sunset, Black, and High-finned forms. They will hybridise with other platy species such as Xiphophorus maculatus

[edit] Pictures

[edit] External links

• Fishbase
• Mongabay