Platy "red Wagtail " - Xiphophorus maculatus

The Platy Red Wagtail is a great and gaudy variant of the Central American Platy. Platies have been very popular ornamental fish in the aquarium hobby for decades, scoring points mainly due to their easy keeping and robustness. This mirror platy, which also belongs to the Xiphophorus maculatus, has a pretty red base color. The back and the tail fin are colored black.

You will receive our Platy Red Wagtail mixed sexed.

The Platy Red Wagtail, just like its other color forms and breeding varieties, is a live-bearing toothcarp found in the wild between Guyana and northern Mexico. There the fish inhabits shallow and stagnant waters that run into larger rivers. Especially in the weedy shore areas it can often be found. Its relationship to the variable mirror carp, Xiphophorus variatus, is so close that these two can hybridize, so keeping them together is not recommended. It can also be kept with mollies and guppies without problems, but these species do not hybridize in the aquarium.

The males usually lag somewhat behind the females, which can reach 6 cm, in terms of body size at 4 cm . The females also become more massive and plump. In a well planted aquarium they can retreat from time to time, if the males are too much in love, especially the juveniles benefit from planting. About every 3 weeks after mating the female releases between 80 and 100 young. The eggs develop in the abdomen of the mother, which pop up into the open water during the release. The mother can also store the sperm of the male and fertilize herself several times, which is why even in a purely female group young animals can appear from time to time. Since not only the parents, but also the other fishes chase the young, a good weeding is worthwhile, as the animals know it from their habitat.

As very social and sociable animals, which quickly feel lonely, group keeping with at least 10 animals is highly recommended. They do very well in aquariums of 60 liters or more, preferably 80 liters or more with medium to hard water. The aquarium should have a temperature between 18-28 °C and a good planting, which still allows enough space for swimming and scurrying. The Platies do not need an extra current, but a cover would be advisable.

These Xiphophorus maculatus can be socialized with other fishes, if they are peaceful and know similar water parameters. They can also be kept together with other color varieties of Platys, but it is possible that these will then interbreed and new colors will be created. For company you could also keep them with Corysn tetras, danios and Loricariidsn make them known. Apart from this, larger shrimps, such as the popular Amano shrimp or Fan shrimp are suitable candidates. The well reproducing Dwarf shrimp species will not be harmed by the Platy, if they have enough hiding places and caves, or also a really great planting.

The Red Wagtail Platy is an omnivore that nibbles on algae to help maintain the aquarium, but can also be fed commercial granular food, dry food or food flakes for omnivorous ornamental fish. Live or frozen food such as Tubifexwhite, black or red Mosquito larvae, as well as Daphnia, Grindalworms or Artemia round off their menu. In addition, they also like to eat soft vegetables such as soaked Zucchini chips or Pumpkin chips, or also Algae leaves.

Our food recommendation: The fragrant NatureHolic Guppyfeed  was tailor-made for the requirements 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: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of 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.