Edit Xiphophorus maculatus
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Name
Scientific name
Xiphophorus maculatus
Described by
Authority Gunther, Year 1866
Family
Poeciliidae
Summary
The platy, Xiphophorus maculatus, is a livebearer from the Atlantic coastal plain of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Nicaragua. Wild fish are…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
50mm, standard length
Tank size
Minimum length 60 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Minimum height 30 cm
Water
Temperature and pH
Temperature 20–26°C, pH 7–8.2
Hardness
10–30dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries
Not recorded
Supporting text
Etymology
Xiphophorus: from the Ancient Greek ξίφος (ksíphos), meaning ‘a kind of double-edged sword’, and -φóρος (-phóros), meaning ‘bearing’, in allusion to the presen…
Distribution
Atlantic coastal plain of Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Belize.
Habitat
It can be found in streams and rivers.
Aquarium size
60 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm24 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in
Maintenance
Not critical but this species does appreciate a planted aquarium, and will be seen at its best if kept in this type of setup. X. maculatus must be maintained i…
Water conditions
Temperature: 20 – 26 °C68 – 79 °F pH: 7.0-8.2 Hardness: 10-30 dH
Diet
Unfussy and will accept most foods, whether frozen, live or dried.
Behaviour and compatibility
Very peaceful and can be kept with most community species. They exhibit none of the aggression of some swordtails and mollies, and even males tolerate one anot…
Sexual dimorphism
Males are the smaller sex and possess a gonopodium.
Reproduction
Very easy. Will breed in the community tank. To be honest breeding this species is more of a case of 'when' rather then 'how'. If you're not interested inbreed…
Notes
Another massively popular aquarium fish, with dozens of selectively bred varieties available, including mickey mouse, wagtail, tuxedo, moon, blue, red, comet a…
References
References
No references