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Sunset Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
Variety of Platy · sunset
📍 Central America
A platy variety displaying a gradient from orange-yellow to deep red, with yellow fins — resembling a sunset sky. One of the most popular platy color forms, it is extremely hardy, peaceful, and easily bred, making it an ideal beginner fish for community aquariums.
Care Guide
Diet
Sunset Platies are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake food, small pellets, and occasional frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia. Supplement with blanched vegetables such as zucchini or spinach 2-3 times weekly. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Sunset Platies are active, peaceful schooling fish that spend most of their time in the mid-water column, though they will explore all tank levels. They are social and should be kept in groups of at least 3, preferring a ratio of 2-3 females per male to reduce aggression and harassment. They are curious, non-aggressive fish that interact well with tank mates and rarely hide.
Breeding
Sunset Platies breed readily in captivity and are prolific livebearers, making them excellent for beginners interested in fish reproduction. Females produce 20-40 fry every 4-6 weeks without special conditioning; provide dense plants like Java Moss or Water Sprite for fry to hide and survive. Separate fry into a nursery tank or heavily planted area to prevent predation by adults.
Tank Mates
Similar size, peaceful temperament, and identical water parameter requirements make them ideal companions
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy similar water zones without competing for resources
Peaceful algae eater that helps maintain tank cleanliness without competing with platies
Peaceful mid-water dweller with compatible temperature and pH requirements; generally non-aggressive
Small, peaceful algae eater that occupies different ecological niche and won't compete with platies
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, increase aeration, perform 25% water changes daily, and treat with ich medication or salt baths (1 teaspoon per gallon) for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove sharp decorations, treat with antibacterial medication, and ensure adequate filtration
Dropsy
Swollen abdomen, scales standing out like a pinecone, lethargy, loss of appetite
Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, treat with antibiotics if bacterial, and maintain optimal water parameters; prognosis is often poor
Velvet Disease (Oodinium)
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, clamped fins
Raise temperature to 28-29°C, reduce light exposure, perform daily water changes, and treat with copper-based medication or salt baths for 7-14 days
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Varieties
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Water it likes
- ph
- 7.0–8.3
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- temperature
- 64–77°F (18–25°C)