Saltwater Aquarist

Red Wagtail Platy

(Xiphophorus maculatus)

Red Wagtail Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) in a freshwater aquarium

Species Description…

Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus
Common Name: Red Wagtail Platy
Species Group: Livebearer
Tank Type: Community
Care Level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet Type: Omnivore
Role in Aquarium: Community Fish
Max Fish Length: 2 (inches)
Min Aquarium Size: 14 (gallons)
Native Range: Atlantic slope of Mexico, Guatemala and Belize (also Nicaragua per Seriously Fish). The wagtail strain is captive-bred.
Min Temperature: 68°F
Max Temperature: 79°F
Min pH: 7
Max pH: 8.2
Min GH: 10 dGH
Max GH: 30 dGH
Min Group Size:
Breeding: Easy
Lifespan: years

Overview

  • The Red Wagtail Platy is a red strain of the southern platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) with black fins and tail.
  • Wild platies live in streams and rivers on the Atlantic coastal plain of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Nicaragua. [UNVERIFIED] Nicaragua as given by Seriously Fish.
  • Grows to about 2 in (5 cm) standard length.

Feeding

  • Unfussy. Accepts frozen, live and dried foods.
  • [UNVERIFIED] Include some plant-based flakes.

Habitat

  • A tank with a base of 24 × 12 in (60 × 30 cm).
  • Planted tanks show it best.
  • Moderately hard to hard water: 68–79°F (20–26°C), pH 7.0–8.2, GH 10–30.

Fish Care

  • Hardy if kept in hard water.

Compatibility

  • Very peaceful. Fits most community tanks.

Aquarium Behavior

  • Even males tolerate each other.
  • Keep more females than males.

Breeding

  • Very easy. Breeds in community tanks.
  • Keep males only if you don’t want fry.