Dawn Platy - Xiphophorus maculatus

Platies are one of the most common freshwater aquarium fish and come in a variety of colors and forms. They do well on most flake or small pellet foods and get along with other community fish and livebearers like tetras, guppies, swordtails, and mollies. A small amount of salt in the aquarium will help to avoid parasites and assist in the gill function and health of the fish.

Platies are livebearers and very easy to breed. Males have a modified pointed anal fin known as a "gonopodium" while this fin is held fanned out in females. A harem ratio (one male to two or more females) will produce the most successful broods. The pregnant female should be removed to a breeding container or tank and the fry raised separately.