Southern Platy

Xiphophorus maculatus

A friendly, colorful livebearer that adapts to almost any community tank. Extremely easy to keep and breed.

Care Parameters

Adult size

7.5 cm

Min tank

54 L

Temperature

20–26°C

7–8.2

10–30 dGH

Diet

Omnivore

Temperament

Peaceful

Water zone

Middle

Difficulty

Beginner

Schooling

Best in groups with more females than males.

Suitable Plants

Sagittaria

A hardy rosette plant with broad, arrow-shaped leaves. Sends runners to form a grass-like carpet. Tolerates a wide range of conditions, suitable for beginners.

Rice Paddy Herb

A aromatic stem plant with narrow leaves that develop purple undersides under strong light and iron supplementation. Adds unique color and fragrance to aquascapes.

Alternanthera reineckii

Care profile for Alternanthera reineckii: medium-high light, medium CO₂, intermediate difficulty.

Cabomba caroliniana

Care profile for Cabomba caroliniana: medium light, medium CO₂, beginner difficulty.

Monte Carlo

Care profile for Monte Carlo: high light, medium CO₂, intermediate difficulty.

Compatible Invertebrates

Blue Diamond Shrimp

A selectively bred color morph of Neocaridina davidi with solid, opaque blue coloration. Hardy and easy to breed, making them popular for planted tanks.

Red Cherry Shrimp

A tiny, vivid red dwarf shrimp that breeds easily and endlessly entertains. Fine in nano tanks from 20 L; keep GH 4-15 dGH for successful molting, avoid copper-based medications entirely, and use a sponge filter so young shrimplets never get sucked in.

Cherry Shrimp

The most popular freshwater shrimp — bright red coloration, extremely hardy, and prolific breeder. The gateway species for shrimp keeping. Tolerates a wide range of conditions.

Blue Tiger Shrimp

A selectively bred freshwater shrimp with striking deep blue coloration. Requires soft, acidic water and careful parameter maintenance. Prized by shrimp collectors.