Freshwater
Variable platyfish
Xiphophorus variatus
Poeciliidae, Poeciliinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 7 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 13 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
NativeIntroduced
Lives wild in Mexico.
Introduced to Colombia, Costa Rica, Hong Kong SAR China, Puerto Rico, Singapore, and United States.
More about the species
Description
Occurs in warm springs, weedy canals and ditches. Feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. Used for genetic research. Aquarium keeping: minimum aquarium size 60 cm.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Platypoecilus variatus
In other languages
- Indianplaty
- Indianerplaty
- Kirjoplaty
- Sunset platy, Variatus platy, Variegated, Variegated platy
Articles
All articles
How to set up a Central American aquarium5 min read
Hard, alkaline water, sand and rock: an aquarium from the rivers and lakes of Mexico and Central America, with cichlids and livebearers.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.
Ich (white spot)4 min read
The most common disease in aquarium fish. How to recognize it, why it shows up, and how to get rid of it.