Platy blue mickey mouse - Xiphophorus maculatus

The great Blue Micky Mouse Platy is a dazzling and extremely attractive color form that once evolved from the old familiar Platy, also known scientifically as Xiphophorus maculatus. Sometimes called mirror carps, they are old hands in aquaristics, and almost everyone has kept them in the aquarium at one time or another. With its shimmering blue hue and impressive Mickey Mouse symbol on its tail fin, this comrade will make a splash in your tank!

Our platies are shipped mixed-sex, so selecting by sex is not possible.

Originally the Platy originates from weakly flowing rivers and their tributaries, in which it settles above all the densely overgrown bank zones, because here also their young find protection and retreat. Genetically, the Platy is very closely related to the Variable Mirror Carp, so it is better not to keep these two together, because they could produce fertile hybrids. A socialization with other peaceful companions like Guppies, Mollies or also Loricariids nothing stands in the way. Also Tetras, Danios or Amano shrimps and Fan shrimp are suitable. Also suitable are Neocaridina, which reproduce quickly, but it can always happen that a young animal disappears in their mouth. Because they are very sociable, you should keep Platys in a group of at least 10 animals, because otherwise they can care very quickly and become ill.

Males and females can be distinguished externally quite well, because the females form a rather sail-shaped anal fin and become about 6 cm large. They reproduce regularly in the aquarium, but if you keep different colors of platies, they may interbreed, resulting in new colors. The young can be raised with YoungFeed or Artemia nauplii. Because also Platy females can fertilize themselves several times and store the sperm, it can happen that even in a pure female group now and then still young come up. Up to 100 young are possible per litter.

The substrate does not play a major role for the Platy, but plant the tank densely in places, so that your favorites can withdraw and the young are safe from being eaten. At least 60 cm edge length should have your aquarium. The water should be medium hard to hard. Pay attention to regular water changes to keep the hygiene high and to prevent diseases.

The Mickey Mouse Butterfly is an omnivore, which you can easily feed in the aquarium. Every common dry and flake food is suitable, but also Live- and frozen food such as tubifex, mosquito larvae or daphnia. Sometimes they also pick at algae, so you can spoil them with soaked pumpkin or zucchini chips from time to time.

Our food recommendation: The fragrant NatureHolic Guppyfeed  has been tailored to the needs of guppies and other viviparous fish in the aquarium. In addition to high-quality animal ingredients, it also contains vegetable components that benefit guppies & co. The soft granules protect the sensitive mouth of the viviparous from injuries caused by hard food grains and provide the fish with a natural feeding experience.

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

Expert Tip: When keeping invertebrates we recommend 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.