Edit Xiphophorus variatus
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Name
Scientific name
Xiphophorus variatus
Described by
Authority Meek, Year 1904
Family
Poeciliidae
Summary
The variable platy, Xiphophorus variatus, is a livebearer native to the Atlantic slope of Mexico, with feral populations in several other c…
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
14–30dGH
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
Originally endemic to the Atlantic slope of Mexico but introduced or feral populations now exist in several other countries, including Costa Rica, Colombia, th…
Habitat
Typically found in shallow, heavily vegetated streams, ponds, swamps, canals and ditches. It's particularly associated with habitats where algae and other phyt…
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. variatus must be maintained in…
Water conditions
Temperature: 20 – 26 °C68 – 79 °F pH: 7.0-8.2 Hardness: 14-30 dH
Diet
Omnivorous by nature, feeding on a variety of zoobenthos and detritus in the wild. Unfussy and will accept most foods, whether frozen, live or dried.
Behaviour and compatibility
A good fish for the general community aquarium being both peaceful and hardy. When males and females are to be housed in the same tank, there should be more fe…
Sexual dimorphism
Males are smaller and possess a gonopodium.
Reproduction
Breeding is much the same as for many other livebearers. We recommend that several females should be kept to every male in order to dissipate vigorous harassme…
Notes
Another massively popular aquarium fish, with dozens of selectively bred varieties available. Some of these are produced by crossbreeding with X. helleri or X.…
References
References
1 on this profile