Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus
Native Range: Northern South America from western Venezuela to Guyana
Size: Males: 2.5 cms; Females up to 6 cms
Food: Platys eat a wide range of foods. From home made grain based food to flaked foods. They can also eat Daphnia, bloodworms and Brine Shrimp
Life Expectance: 2 to 3 years
Temperament: Peaceful
pH: 6 to 8
Temperature : Platies are tropical fish. The recommended temperature range is 24 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Reproduction: Viviparous (Live bearers)
Sexing: Male platies have a modified anal fin known as the gonopodium. This organ is used to transfer the sperm to the female during mating.