Platy mix - Xiphophorus maculatus (South America)

The Platy, belonging to the genus Xiphophorus maculatus, is a species native to Central America. However, some individuals are recorded in the freshwater of Australia, Madagascar, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria. Easily recognizable due to its bright orange color, it is equipped with fins tinted with black. Once adult, its size is about 4 cm. Its life expectancy is estimated to be around 5 years. Living at mid-depth, it systematically moves in small groups in lakes or slow-flowing ponds.

For breeding purposes, an 80 L aquarium with water between 22° and 28° and a pH close to 7 constitutes ideal conditions. Peaceful by nature and rather hardy, the platy is a very easy fish to keep in good health. Its omnivorous diet also facilitates feeding. Its reproduction is also possible and follows an ovoviviparous mode.