- What is the average size of a platy?
- What are the differences between the different types of platy fish?
- What are the conditions for platy fish?
- How to care for platy fish in an aquarium?
- Are platy fish freshwater fish?
- What is the best water temperature for platy fish?
- Do platy fish need a heater?
- How often should I change the water for platy fish?
- Do platies need a filter in their aquarium?
- What size tank do platy fish need to breed?
- What are the different platy fish colors?
- Can platy fish live without a heater?
- How often should you feed platy fish?
- How often should I Clean my platy Fry tank?
- Do platy fish need aquarium filters?
- Do platy fish need an air pump?
- How many platy fish do you need to breed?
- How do you set up a platy fish tank?
- Do platy fish need an aquarium heater?
- How often should I Feed my platy?
What is the average size of a platy?
Platies grow to around 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) in size, but dwarf platies (which have been selectively bred for their shorter body length) usually stay around 1 inch (2.5 cm). What is the lifespan of a platy fish?
What are the differences between the different types of platy fish?
The Southern and variable platy are both quite short and sturdy, lacking the extended “sword” typical of the swordtail platy. Platy colors vary a lot. A few common colors are red, yellow, white, blue, and green. Often, the different colorations were due to their natural habitat. There are small size differences between the different species.
What are the conditions for platy fish?
Water Conditions: 7-8.5 pH and Medium to Hard. Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F) Maximum Size: 2 1/2 Inches (6 cm) The common platy (Xiphophorus), also known as the southern platyfish or mickey mouse platy is a small, popular live-bearing fish.
How to care for platy fish in an aquarium?
If using soft water to fill up a tank, add some minerals to it so it can achieve the right conditions. Plants should be plentiful in an aquarium with platies as they help to filter the waste produced by the fish and provide ideal conditions for them to thrive.
Are platy fish freshwater fish?
Platy fish are almost always freshwater fish and are rarely found in saltwater or brackish conditions. These fish prefer gentle surroundings and might be found in slow-moving waters like canals, streams, and ditches, which is why the peaceful aquarium life suits them well.
What is the best water temperature for platy fish?
The exact water parameters can vary based on the type of platy you get. However, here are some general baselines that will work for most platy fish. Water temperature: 65°F to 80°F (some species may prefer as high as 82 degrees) pH levels: 6.8 to 8.0
Do platy fish need a heater?
You should aim for between 70 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit for these fish, but if you live somewhere colder or have the air conditioning always on, you might need a heater. Platies prefer harder water that resembles their natural habitats. If using soft water to fill up a tank, add some minerals to it so it can achieve the right conditions.
How often should I change the water for platy fish?
Generally, platies are hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions ( swordtails, however, are sensitive to bad environments). Try to have regular water changes with 25% changed every two weeks. Your platy fish will be more at ease in an aquarium that mimics their natural habitats with a heavily planted tank and gravel substrate.
Do platies need a filter in their aquarium?
My readers often ask if platies need a filter in their aquarium or they can go without. I always recommend adding a filter to your aquarium regardless of the fish species you’re keeping. Aquarium filters are easy to set up and they don’t require much in the way of maintenance.
What size tank do platy fish need to breed?
Platy fish are likely to eat their fry, therefore, we suggest using a breeding tank of about 10-20 gallons with filtration. If you’re set on breeding in the community aquarium, make sure you provide enough hiding spaces with dense plants so that the fish can find shelter.
What are the different platy fish colors?
Platies colors vary a lot. A few popular colors are red, yellow, white, blue and green. Often, the different colorations were due to their natural habitat. There are small size differences between the different species. Female Southern Platy fish reach up to 2.5 inches while the Variable Platy reaches 3 inches.
Can platy fish live without a heater?
They can live in a broad range of temperatures, with or without a heater, and they tend to prefer pH levels above 7.0. Mix them with live plants and other fish on this list, and you’re sure to fall in love with them! Variatus platies come in a huge variety of colors and patterns and are very fun to breed.
How often should you feed platy fish?
As far as feeding schedules go, this depends on their age. Young platy should be fed a few times a day and with smaller amounts as their digestive system matures. As adults, you’ll be able to feed these fish just once a day like most other mature fish, which makes them generally easy to keep happy.
How often should I Clean my platy Fry tank?
Keep their tank clean. Just as with your adult platies, you’ll need to keep the tank for the fry clean. Changing 25 percent of the water every two to four weeks is typically adequate, but this depends on the number of fish. If the water becomes cloudy or full of debris, it should be changed more often.
Do platy fish need aquarium filters?
You can use almost any type of aquarium filter with your platies, including those that run on an air pump. Aquarium filters help keep the water clean of floating particles, process nitrogen waste in the water, and ensure your fish get enough oxygen.
Do platy fish need an air pump?
Do platies need an air pump? You can use almost any type of aquarium filter with your platies, including those that run on an air pump. Aquarium filters help keep the water clean of floating particles, process nitrogen waste in the water, and ensure your fish get enough oxygen.
How many platy fish do you need to breed?
Platy Breeding Pair Once your aquarium is cycled and set up with the necessary equipment, you can get started on the breeding process. You’ll need two or three females and a single male platy. Adding more male platies is not a good idea as it can stress out female platies.
How do you set up a platy fish tank?
Setting up a Tank Get an aquarium tank that holds at least 29 gallons (110 L). Although platy fish don’t require a lot of space, it’s a good idea to get a bigger tank than you need if you plan on breeding them. Line the bottom of the tank with aquarium gravel for a fish-friendly substrate.
Do platy fish need an aquarium heater?
Aquarists living in tropical climates won’t need an aquarium heater for their platy fish, but those of us that don’t, will need to set up a heater to maintain water at the required temperature during the months when outside temperatures drop.
How often should I Feed my platy?
Once a day is fine for adults, whereas two to three small meals a day is preferred for growing juveniles. If you notice long strings of poop constantly dangling from your platies, you may be overfeeding your fish so consider decreasing their portion size.
