Platy - Red Micky Mouse - Xiphophorus maculatus var. "Micky Mouse Red" : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Mickey Mouse Platies, named after their unique tail markings reminiscent of the iconic Disney character, are delightful additions to aquariums. These vibrant fish, celebrated for their peaceful nature and resilience, have found favor among aquarium enthusiasts. Ideal for newcomers in fish keeping, they offer a low-maintenance experience coupled with a visually pleasing display.
Although they aren't schooling fish in the strictest sense, they tend to flourish in groups, displaying heightened confidence and engaging behaviour. When considering tank companions, it's wise to pair them with equally gentle species. Larger or aggressive fish, notably Cichlids, are known to trouble platies, leading to unwelcome stress and potential harm.
Mickey Mouse Platies, like their platie counterparts, are adaptable to a variety of aquatic settings. However, to ensure their well-being and longevity, creating a biotope tank is advisable. This means designing an environment complete with aquatic plants, efficient filtration, and water with moderate hardness. Stability in water conditions remains crucial.
Platy - Red Micky Mouse Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Identifying the gender of Platies can be quite hard until they reach about four months of age, at which point it becomes remarkably straightforward. As they mature, males typically display brighter colors and have a more compact physique. Their color development is more gradual compared to females. Notably, males feature a specialized anal fin known as a gonopodium. In contrast, female Platies grow at a swifter rate and tend to be more sizable. Their colors are more muted, and they sport fan-shaped fins. By paying close attention to these nuanced differences, one can effectively differentiate between male and female Platies.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Xiphophorus maculatus var. "Micky Mouse Red" |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1848 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family | Poeciliidae |
| Genus | Xiphophorus |
| Origins | |
| Max Size | 7.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Livebearer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 10 - 25 |
| ℉ | 65 - 77 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 18 - 25 |
Natural Habitat
The colorful Platiy originate from the tepid waters of Rio Panuco and Rio Cazones in southern Mexico, extending to the northern territories of Honduras and Guatemala in North and Central America. These spirited fish flourish in diverse water habitats, ranging from streams and canals to marshes and springs, characterized by gentle to nearly stagnant currents, silted beds, and lush vegetation. The Mickey Mouse Platy is a result of human-driven selective breeding and does not naturally occur in the wild!
Breeding
Breeding Mickey Mouse Platies is a straightforward process that requires no dedicated breeding aquarium or particular water conditions to induce spawning. Instead, aquarists can introduce the fish to their aquarium and allow nature to take its course. It is worth noting that a mix of sexes is necessary for successful breeding, and maintaining a ratio of two to three females to every male is recommended to prevent males from harassing the females.
Platies are livebearers, and their fry is immediately free-swimming upon birth. These fish can produce between 20 to 50 fry at a time, as often as once a month. However, adult Platies exhibit no parental care towards their offspring and may consume them if given a chance. Therefore, to increase the fry's survival rate, it is recommended to provide ample hiding places, such as wood, rocks, or live plants, for the fry to seek refuge or remove the parents once they have given birth.
Feeding the fry with egg yolk, finely crushed flake food, and infusoria until they are large enough to return to the main aquarium is a viable strategy to ensure their healthy growth and development.
Diet & Feeding
Platies are omnivorous and quite easy to feed in a home aquarium. However, to maintain their health, it is recommended to feed them a varied diet, including high-quality dried foods like flakes, granules and pellets, as well as live, frozen or freeze-dried foods such as brine shrimp, tubifex and bloodworms. Moreover, it is beneficial to supplement their diet with boiled vegetables such as squash, spirulina, cucumber and spinach. This approach will ensure that platies receive all the essential nutrients and vitamins required for their overall well-being.
