Blue Calico Platy

Bred by TFR

Photo is a generic photo, assorted platy may look different.

Platy (Xiphohorus Maculatus)

Native Location: South America

Climate: Tropical

Maximum Size: 6-7 cm (3 inches)

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Omnivore

Breeding: Easy

Temperature Range: 21 – 25℃ (70 – 77℉)

Preferred pH Range: 6.8 – 8.0

Minimum Aquarium Size: 40 L (10 gallons)

Potential Tankmates: Mollies, Guppies, Swordtail

Care Level: Beginner

People new to the hobby will love Platy. They are peaceful, easy to care for, and ideal community tankmates.

With a high vegetable diet, Platy will not be fussy eaters. In the wild, they would eat small crustaceans and insects but prefer plants. A bi-weekly treat of brine shrimp is okay. But, be sure they are receiving enough protein and vitamins from prepared vegetables. Vitamins will produce good colouration. Try housing with fish of a similar size. Any peaceful natured community fish are a good match, even keep with critters like shrimps and snails. Platy are not shoaling fish, but will still be happiest in small groups. As Male Platy like to chase around females, it is best to keep more females in your tank, than their counterpart. Females will become exhausted from the playful hunt.

There are varieties of water conditions Platy can handle. But, will be happiest in conditions that mimic their wild habitats, although bred captively. Low to no current warm water and planted tanks. Java Moss and Duckweeds are good choices to consider.

At the point of maturity, sexual dimorphism becomes clear. You will be able to see the difference between sexes by looking at them. Females are larger and less colourful. Males will achieve a fuller colour, and their anal fin will take on a rod shape. When pregnant, females abdomen will appear larger and the skin transparent. Platy strive to breed and breed in excess, so they’ll need little to no help from you. In a mid-sized breeding tank, Platy are live-bearing fish. Females keep the eggs inside their body until ready to give birth to free-swimming fry. But be wary, adult Platy will likely eat their fry so, removed them from the tank. If you decide to breed in a community tank, you will have to provide enough hiding places.

Variations available Blue Coral, Blue Coral Calico, Glowlight Sunset, Snow Coral, Sunburst Wag, Sunset, Sunset Rainbow

All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, they are treated for any possible diseases and given a complete health check  to make sure they are health, happy and eating well before being placed in our display aquariums, ready for sale.

Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy: In the unfortunate event that your fish arrives dead, please follow these steps: Within 12 hours of the delivery, take clear, unopened bag pictures showing the deceased fish. Send these photographs and your order number to our customer service email at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or to our Facebook page and we will then offer a refund or store credit for the cost of the fish. 

Two-Week Guarantee Policy: We stand behind the health and quality of our fish, which is why we offer a two-week guarantee starting from the day of delivery. If your fish dies within this time frame, adhere to the following procedure: Take clear photos of the deceased fish. Using a reliable test kit, document via a dated photo, water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels). Please email us the photographs, water parameters, and order number to getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or our Facebook page. After reviewing your claim, if approved, we will issue a store credit for the cost of the fish. Our two-week guarantee does not cover fish deaths due to unsuitable water conditions, incompatible tank mates or “disasters” i.e. a heater overheating. We recommend thoroughly researching each fish species' needs before introducing them to your aquarium to prevent such situations. 

 Freight Charges: Please note that shipping or freight charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. We hope this guide makes our refund and guarantee process more understandable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please get in touch with us at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz. We are always happy to assist. Thank you for choosing The Fish Room. Happy fish keeping!