• Home
• Plants
• Contact
• Affiliates
• Aquarium Search
• Fish Q&A Blog
• Fish Food Store

Back to Page 2

Brief Overview

The Blue Platy is a very Peaceful variation of the Xiphophorus maculatus Platy. These fish are both beautiful, and very easy going. They get to a medium-large size, and a highly compatible. With peaceful fish their mild temperment makes them good companions, and with more aggressive fish, their size keeps them out of trouble. (for the most part) These fish, Platies, can now be found in a huge variety of wonderful colorations; thanks to selective breeding. The Blue Platy is only one example, there are dozens. Some quality tank mates may be the Black Molly, Kuhli Loaches, or the always great Golden Barb.

To watch a Youtube video of this fish click here.

Detailed Wikipedia Information

Xiphophorus is a genus of freshwater fish in family Poeciliidae of order Cyprinodontiformes. The type species is X. hellerii, the green swordtail. Members of the genus Xiphophorus are Live-bearers, meaning that they reproduce via internal fertilization. The Xiphophorus species are often collectively called swordtails, but in the aquarium trade that name typically refers specifically to X. hellerii.



The various Xiphophorus species are native to areas of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and especially Mexico. All small fishes, they reach maximum lengths of 2.5 and 14 cm (1.0 and 5.5 in).

IUCN lists two Xiphophorus species, the marbled swordtail, X. meyeri, and the northern platyfish, X. gordoni, as Endangered, while the Monterrey platyfish, X. couchianus, is Critically Endangered.

Xiphophorus species are regularly used in genetic studies and scientists have developed many interspecific hybrids. The Xiphophorus Genetic stock center, founded by Dr Myron Gordon in 1939 is an important source of these fish for research. In addition, several species are commonly kept by aquarium hobbyists, especially X. helleri, X. maculatus and X. variatus.

The name Xiphophorus derives from the Greek words (sword) and (bearer).

In the aquarium

The Platy should be housed in a relatively heavily planted aquarium. They are not a particularly shy fish, but be sure to give them places to hide when they get scared. It is also important to give this fish at least 20 gallons in which to live. Their heartiness makes water type less of an issue, and they are highly compatible to you have a wide range of fish to choose from for tank mates. (please see some recommendations above)

Back to Page 2

Click here to read full Wikipedia Article and get EVEN MORE great information!

Click here to visit our wonderful affiliate qualitybacklinks.com!