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PisciDex Species Profile

Platy

Hardy peaceful livebearer available in many domestic color forms, well suited to community aquariums with moderately hard water.

Platy aquarium species

Xiphophorus maculatus

Poeciliidae | Central America | Southern Mexico to Belize

Core Requirements

Tank Size

10 gallons minimum

Adult Size

2.5 inches

Group Size

Group 3+

Bioload

2/10

Water Parameters

Temperature

70-80 F

pH

6.8-8

Plant Safe

Yes

Invert Safe

Yes

Data Confidence

medium

Temperature note: Recommended and tolerated temperature ranges currently match the primary care profile.

Behavior & Husbandry

Temperament

Peaceful

Aggression

1/10

Diet

Omnivore

Difficulty

Easy

Lifespan

3 years

Breeding

Easy

Schooling

Yes

Compatibility Tags

CommunityNano TankPeacefulSchoolingMid WaterPlant SafeInvert SafeBeginner FriendlyHardwater

Similar Species

  • GuppySimilar temperament. Similar minimum tank size.
  • X-Ray TetraSimilar temperament. Similar minimum tank size.
  • Red Eye TetraSimilar temperament. Temperature ranges overlap.
  • Amano ShrimpSimilar temperament. Similar minimum tank size.

Related Articles

  • Most Popular Freshwater Aquarium Fish in 2026A practical look at ten of 2026's most popular freshwater aquarium fish, why aquarists choose them, and the care requirements beginners should understand before buying.

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Species Compatibility

Database-driven compatibility notes for planning community aquariums.