Parrot platy "Hawaii - high fin" - Xiphophorus variatus

The parrot platy "Hawaii Hochflosse" belongs to the species Xiphophorus variatus, the parrot platy, parrot carp or variable mirror carp and is a beautiful color variant.  The origin of the wild form is in Central America. The special characteristic of this variant is the particularly beautifully formed dorsal fin, which the Hochflosser carries with pride like a flag. With its golden body ground color and the orange-red tail fin it is a particularly pretty representative of its species. Across its body is its striking broad black band. The high dorsal fin is also golden yellow.

Like the other Platy species, the  Xiphophorus variatus belongs to the extremely popular family of viviparous toothcarps. In their native habitat, the variable mirror carps inhabit warm springs, but also muddy ditches and heavily weedy channels. Because of their easy husbandry and the many great color strikes, the variable mirror carp is particularly interesting. Genetically they are very closely related to Xiphophorus maculatus and Xiphophorus helleri, so they can probably interbreed. Therefore these species should better not be kept together. Although the also very well known guppies and mollies, which also belong to the viviparous toothcarps, are related to them, but these cannot hybridize.

With 5-6 cm the males do not grow quite as big as the females which reach up to 7 cm. They are also rounder and in contrast to their male pontoon they do not form a so-called gonopodium - a sexual appendage - under the abdomen. The gestation period of the females is almost 24 days, after which they can release up to 100 young. These are very small and almost colorless and can initially be fed with dust food, such as our YoungFeed can be fed to them. Artemia nauplii are also suitable as follow-on food. Dense plant stands are helpful in places to protect the babies from the mouths of their parents, but also from those of fellow fish.

Above all, the group conveys security to the lively parrots Platys. Therefore we recommend to keep them at least in a group of 10. Conceivable would be also different color strokes, whereby  quite new color variants can develop, since these mate among themselves. Parrot platys "Hawaii Hochflosse" love plant thickets, but also need a lot of free space to swim. They do well in aquariums with an edge length of 80 cm or more, and like medium to hard water. A GH of 9 to 19 °dGH and a KH of 5 to 18 °dKH as well as a pH between 7 to 8 are optimal. The water temperature can be 15 to 25 °C. Especially the young animals like cooler water. In too warm water the males can grow to unattractive achromatic dwarf males.

With large crayfish the pretty animals should rather not be socialized, with dwarf c rayfish it is however rather possible. Under certain circumstances, however, the platies might regard very young crayfish babies as a treat, as well as with shrimp offspring. Larger shrimp, such as Amano shr imp, have nothing to fear. In a community aquarium with other peaceful, not too quiet or shy fish the lively Parrot Platy "Hawaii Hochflosse" fits very well.

As omnivores, this high fin among the parrot platies also likes some animal food in addition to plant food. Especially frozen food or live food  is accepted very gladly. The uncomplicated eaters need from time to time vegetarian food, for example scalded soft vegetables, also at algae is sometimes plucked. Here above all our well dosed Vegetable chips or Algae plates are an excellent choice. In addition, these not picky animals can be fed with conventional dry or granulated food, but also with flake food.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Main Feed is a professional staple feed for all aquarium fish. We supply Hauptfeed in the form of soft granules, which, thanks to its grain size of half a millimeter, can be easily absorbed by small to medium-sized fish. The soft consistency resembles the texture of insect larvae in nature and protects the fish mouth from micro-injuries.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free from algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.