Latin Name: Xiphophorus maculatus
Other Names: Butterfly Platy, Rainbow Platy
How hard are they to keep?
Rainbow Butterfly Platys are incredibly easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginners. They are resilient and adapt well to a variety of water conditions, so they are low-maintenance and forgiving.
What is its maximum size?
Rainbow Butterfly Platys grow to about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in length, making them suitable for both small and medium-sized tanks.
Where are they from?
Platys are originally from Central America, particularly from the rivers and ponds of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. The Rainbow Butterfly variety is a selectively bred colour morph, cherished for its vivid, multi-coloured appearance.
How many can I keep?
Platys are social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 4-6. It’s best to have a few females for every male, as males can be a bit persistent in their breeding attempts.
How compatible are they with other fish?
Rainbow Butterfly Platys are peaceful, community-oriented fish. They do well with other non-aggressive fish, such as guppies, mollies, tetras, and Corydoras catfish. They make great additions to a community aquarium.
What are the ideal water conditions?
These fish thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline water with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0. They prefer a temperature between 64-82?F (18-28?C) and are adaptable to various water hardness levels. A tank with plants and open swimming areas will help them feel at home.
How do you tell the difference between male and female?
Males are usually slimmer and have a gonopodium (a modified anal fin used for reproduction), while females are rounder and tend to be slightly larger, especially when gravid (pregnant).
Fun Fact:
The Rainbow Butterfly Platy is known for its brilliant blend of colours, with each fish displaying unique patterns and hues, almost like a living piece of art. This variety also breeds easily, so you may find fry appearing in the tank from time to time if you keep both males and females together.
These can be found in tank No: 66
