Platy - Red Wagtail - Xiphophorus maculatus var. "Red Wagtail" : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Red Wagtail Platies stand out as resilient and vivid fish, praised for their tranquil disposition and ease of care. They're an excellent choice for those new to aquariums, providing a hassle-free experience alongside a captivating, colorful spectacle.
While not true schooling fish, they thrive best in groups, exuding greater self-assurance and interactive behaviors. When selecting tank mates, it's prudent to choose other docile species. Fish like Cichlids, being larger or more aggressive, can distress platies, posing threats of stress and harm.
Like other platies, Red Wagtail Platies are versatile in different aquatic habitats. Nonetheless, for their optimal health and extended lifespan, setting up a biotope tank, equipped with aquatic flora, effective filtration, and moderately hard water, is recommended.
Platy - Red Wagtail Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Determining a Platy's gender is challenging until they're roughly four months old, but it becomes notably easier thereafter. As males mature, they exhibit more vibrant colors and a sleeker build, with their coloration evolving slower than females. A distinguishing trait in males is their modified anal fin, the gonopodium. Conversely, female Platies grow more rapidly and are generally bulkier, with subdued hues and broad, fan-like fins. Recognizing these subtle variations can help discern male from female Platies effectively.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Xiphophorus maculatus var. "Red Wagtail" |
|---|---|
| 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 vibrant Platy originates from the balmy waters of Rio Panuco and Rio Cazones in southern Mexico, extending to northern regions of Honduras and Guatemala in North and Central America. These lively fish flourish in diverse aquatic settings, from streams and canals to marshes and springs, typified by placid to nearly motionless waters, muddied beds, and abundant vegetation. It's essential to note that the Red Wagtail Platy's distinct coloration is a result of careful selective breeding, and such color variants don't occur naturally in the wild.
Breeding
Breeding Red Wagtail Platies is uncomplicated, not needing a specific breeding tank or unique water settings for spawning. Simply add them to a regular aquarium and let nature run its course. Ensure a balanced gender mix for effective breeding; ideally, a ratio of two or three females per male to deter male over-attention.
As livebearers, platy fry can swim immediately after birth. They can yield 20 to 50 fry monthly. Yet, mature platies, lacking parental instincts, might even eat their young. To enhance fry survival, furnish hiding spots like wood, rocks, or plants. Alternatively, separating parents post-birth is beneficial.
For robust fry growth, feed them egg yolk, crushed flake food, and infusoria until they're ready to join the primary tank.
Diet & Feeding
Red Wagtail Platies are omnivorous and readily eat in domestic aquariums. To promote their health, provide a diverse diet comprising top-tier dry foods like flakes, granules, and pellets, complemented by live, frozen, or freeze-dried options like brine shrimp, tubifex, and bloodworms. Additionally, it's advantageous to add boiled veggies, including squash, spirulina, cucumber, and spinach to their meals. Such a balanced dietary regimen ensures platies obtain necessary nutrients and vitamins for holistic health.
