Coral Red Platy 4-5cm

Introduction: Welcome to the captivating world of aquatic beauty, where vibrant colors and graceful movements come to life. Meet the Coral Red Platy, a true jewel among freshwater fish, renowned for its stunning coral-like hues that will instantly brighten your aquarium. With its peaceful nature and striking appearance, this Platy species is sure to mesmerize both seasoned aquarists and newcomers alike.

Scientific Name: The Coral Red Platy, scientifically known as Xiphophorus maculatus, is a delightful freshwater fish celebrated for its striking hues reminiscent of a beautiful coral reef. As a member of the Poeciliidae family, this Platy species boasts an eye-catching appearance that will instantly captivate any aquarium enthusiast.

Water Quality: To ensure the health and vitality of your Coral Red Platy, it’s essential to maintain optimal water conditions mirroring its natural habitat.

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C) for their well-being.
• pH Level: Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, ideally between 7.0 to 8.0.
• GH Level: Aim for a general hardness (GH) of 8 to 12 dGH.
• KH Level: Maintain a carbonate hardness (KH) of 4 to 8 dKH.

Feeding: The Coral Red Platy is an omnivorous species with an easy-going palate. Provide them with a well-balanced diet consisting of high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen treats such as brine shrimp or daphnia to promote their vibrant colors and overall health.

Tank Mates: This peaceful and sociable fish thrives in a community setting. Compatible tank mates include:

• Other peaceful community fish like Guppies, Tetras, and Corydoras.
• Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Substrates and Tank Decorations: Enhance the beauty of your Coral Red Platy’s habitat with carefully chosen substrates and decorations. Fine gravel or sand substrates work best, providing a natural feel to the aquarium. Include driftwood, rocks, and artificial plants for shelter and exploration.

Suitable Plants: Incorporate live plants into your aquarium to create a lush and harmonious environment. Plants like Java Fern, Amazon Sword, Anubias, and Hornwort not only enhance aesthetics but also offer places for your fish to rest and hide.

Sexing: Distinguishing between male and female Coral Red Platys is relatively easy. Males display a modified anal fin called a “gonopodium” used for mating, while females have a more rounded, fan-shaped anal fin.

Breeding: Breeding Coral Red Platys is a straightforward and rewarding experience. They are livebearers, meaning they give birth to fully formed fry rather than laying eggs. Provide plenty of plant cover for the fry to hide in, as adult fish may consume them.

Maximum Size and Longevity: The Coral Red Platy grows to an average size of about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm), making it a perfect addition to smaller to medium-sized aquariums. With proper care, they can live up to 3 to 4 years, providing joy and beauty throughout their lifespan.

General Information: Originating from Central America, the Coral Red Platy is a popular choice among aquarists due to its stunning colors and peaceful demeanor. Their name “platy” is derived from the Greek word “platys,” meaning “flat,” referring to their distinctive body shape.

A Fun Fact: One exciting fact about the Coral Red Platy is that they are known for their high reproductive rate. Under favorable conditions, a single female can give birth to multiple fry every month, making them excellent fish for breeding enthusiasts.