Description
Platy fish are live bearers (meaning they bear live young) and are native to Mexico and Central America. They are a popular aquarium fish due to their hardy nature, availability and bright colours. They breed readily in the aquarium and tolerate broad water parameters, a great species for the beginner aquarist or platy fish hobbyist.
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Note: Pictures examples of stock only. Assorted colours supplied.
Features of Platy Fish:
- Available in a broad range of colours & markings
- Short compact body with a fan like tail
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
- Bears live young
- Grows to 5-7cm
Tank Mate Compatibility:
Platy fish are peaceful community fish that prefer to swim in groups of 6 or more. They are suitable for tropical community aquariums with other peaceful species of similar size.
Here’s a list of some of the best tank mates for your Platy fish:
Diet:
Platyfish are omnivore's and are not fussy eaters. They will eat most foods placed in the aquarium. Feed a good quality tropical flake, pellet, or granule, and supplement the diet with live, frozen or freeze dried foods such as blackworms, brine shrimp and tubifex worms. Platy fish are healthiest with a varied diet.
Check out our extensive range of aquarium fish foods.
The Best Aquarium Size for Platy Fish:
They are active and energetic swimmers that will use all levels of the water column, but primarily the middle and top. Suited for smaller aquariums, we recommend a minimum aquarium size of 35 litres for a small group of platies.
Check out these suitable aquarium brands:
After an Aquarium for your fish? Browse Aquarium Tank Selection here.
Platy Fish Tank Setup:
Aquarium Filtration for Platy Fish
A good filtration system is necessary as they enjoy clean and clear waters with a moderate flow rate. Ensure your filter has an adequate flow rate to effectively remove waste from the aquarium. Hang filters and sponge filters are good choices for the smaller aquarium.
Shop our comprehensive range of aquarium filters here.
Aquarium Heater for Platy Fish
This fish enjoy temperatures between 18-27° C. If you are unable to maintain this temperature naturally, use an aquarium heater. Aquarium heaters also stabilize water temperatures. A thermometer is recommended to monitor the water temperature.
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Aquarium Lighting for Platy Fish
The platy fish has no specific lighting requirements. Replicate natural daylight hours with artificial light between 8-10 hours per day. We recommend LED aquarium lighting with adjustable brightness to ensure the light level can be altered for happy fish.
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Substrate for Platy Fish
There are no specific aquarium substrate requirements for Platy fish. Aquarium sand, gravel, and pebbles are all suitable. Have some fun with colours that compliment the platy fish you keep.
View our range of aquarium substrates here.
Aquarium Plants for Platy Fish
Platy Fish are active swimmers that will be seen darting in and around live plants. Plant out the background with tall plants, leaving plenty of swimming space in the aquarium. If your fish breed, keeping floating plants and fine leaf plants such as ambulia, rotala rotundifolia, and java moss will provide young fry with protection.
Interested in live plants for your aquarium? View our range of live aquarium plants here.
Aquarium Decorations for Platy Fish
Have fun with selecting aquarium decorations to your preference. Enjoy plenty of structure for fish to hide and rest when required. Resin ornaments, rock, and driftwood are all good selections.
View our large range of aquarium decorations here.
