Variable Platy (Xiphophorus variatus)
| Variable Platy Xiphophorus variatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Variable Platy |
| Name Lat. | Xiphophorus variatus |
| Family | Livebearers |
| Family lat. | Poeciliidae |
| Order | Killifishes & Livebearers |
| Order lat. | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Habitat | Streams, ponds |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 7.0-8.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Livebearer |
| Breeding | Simple |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 5-7 cm |
| Temperature | 20-25 °C |
| Hardness | 14-30 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 80 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2"-2.8" |
| Temperature | 68-77 °F |
| Hardness | 249-534 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 20 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The natural range of the parrot platy is southern Tamaulipas and northern Veracruz in Mexico. They live primarily in shallow, slow-moving and stagnant waters with muddy bottoms and dense underwater vegetation. There are numerous site variants that differ in coloration and markings. The wild form rarely reaches the trade.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate, some shaded light (floating plants) and medium to hard water is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food supply consists of dry, frozen and live food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high quality dry food (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, etc. (live or frozen). In addition, they need plant food, such as algae leaves, algae wavers, over-broiled leafy and wild vegetables or dry food with high plant content.
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day, which are eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are very peaceful fish, also intraspecies and well suited for a community tank with other calm and peaceful fish. It is recommended to keep at least 5 parrot platys together, where the number of females should predominate.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Males are smaller and have an anal fin (gonopodium) that has been transformed into a mating organ. The females are larger and appear rounder.
Reproduction and breeding
Parrot platys are live-bearing fish. Internal fertilization is facilitated by the male's gonopodium. Fertilized females are usually clearly identifiable by a dark colored gestation patch on the posterior abdomen. After 4-6 weeks of gestation, up to 100 fry are born. They are already fully developed and independent at birth. After they have filled their swim bladder at the water surface, they can immediately start feeding.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the young fish are easy prey.
Important
Parrot platies are bred in numerous varieties. Mostly they are crosses with swordtails (Xiphophorus helleri) or platy (Xiphophorus maculatus).
Soft water is not tolerated well and makes them susceptible to disease. The addition of sea salt (mineral salt) from the pet store to harden the water prevents.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF