Platy - Sunburst Tuxedo - Xiphophorus maculatus var. "Sunburst Tuxedo" : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Sunburst Tuxedo Platies, known for their peaceful and hardy nature, have gained popularity in the aquarium hobby due to their vibrant colours and dynamic behaviour. These fascinating fish are perfect for beginner aquarists as they are easy to care for and maintain. Although not technically schooling fish, platies thrive in groups where they feel more confident and exhibit their best behaviour.
Platies, renowned for their robust nature, exhibit a remarkable capacity to acclimate to a broad spectrum of aquatic conditions. Nevertheless, fostering optimal well-being and longevity for these fish in captivity is achieved through the establishment of a biotope tank. This entails meticulously crafting an environment that includes aquatic vegetation, a gentle yet effective filtration system, and consistently pristine water characterized by moderate hardness. Maintaining water stability within ideal parameters is of paramount importance.
To uphold these conditions, it is recommended to institute a routine of regular water changes, incorporating partial replacements of 25% of the water volume on a weekly basis. This proactive approach contributes to the preservation of an optimal aquatic habitat for the thriving and enduring health of platies.
This color variant is thought to be a hybrid of Xiphophorus variatus and Xiphophorus maculatus. While it's challenging to ascertain, the variant exhibits traits from both species.
Platy - Sunburst Tuxedo Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Identifying the gender of Platies can be quite hard when young and 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. "Sunburst Tuxedo" |
|---|---|
| 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 Sunburst Tuxedo Platy is a result of human-driven selective breeding and does not naturally occur in the wild and is most likly a hybrid of Xiphophorus variatus and Xiphophorus maculatus!
Breeding
Breeding Sunburst Tuxedo Platies is refreshingly simple, without the need for specialized breeding tanks or specific water adjustments. Simply introduce the fish to a standard aquarium setup and let nature unfold. To promote successful breeding, it's essential to have both genders, and it's advisable to keep two to three females for every male. This ratio helps prevent the males from persistently pursuing the females.
Being livebearers, Platies give birth to fry that are instantly capable of swimming. They can yield anywhere from 20 to 50 fry monthly. However, it's vital to understand that adult Platies lack a nurturing instinct and may even consume their young. To bolster the fry's chances of survival, furnish the aquarium with abundant hideouts like wood, rocks, or live plants. Alternatively, once the parents have spawned, they can be relocated.
To nurture the young, feed them egg yolk, finely ground flake food, and infusoria. Continue this feeding regimen until they mature sufficiently to join the primary aquarium, ensuring their robust growth and well-being.
Diet & Feeding
Platies in general 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.
