Overview: The scientific name of Sunset Platy is Xiphophorus maculatus. It is one of the popular fish that aquarists love to pet. Easy to maintain and very friendly in nature, Platy is peaceful and perfect for community tanks. However, the only concern should be the ratio of male and female in the tank as the males are aggressive and try to harass the female Platy all the time. So try to keep at least two females over one male in the tank. At the same time, try to include plants in the tank as sunset platy love live plants all around her. 

Distribution and Habitat: Sunset platy is native to Central America and South America, in the region from Vera Cruz (Mexico) to Belize. They prefer freshwater aquariums and are livebearers too. Due to their easy and peaceful nature as well as high potential in breeding and giving beautifully colored progenies, today, they are found everywhere. 

Temperature: The ideal temperature for Sunset Platy is between 18°c – 28°C. Make sure you avoid sudden fluctuations in temperature as it makes the fish stressful and thereby susceptible to diseases. You can introduce sunset platy with fish that have almost similar temperature requirements like mollies, guppies, etc.

Water conditions: For the sunset platy to thrive well, the ideal temperature needs to be between 6.8 and 8. It is important to maintain the right salinity as well as the hardness of the water for the healthy fish. The hardness of the water should remain within the range of 10 and 25 Dgh.

Breeding: Sunset Platy are named so due to their beautiful orange color that resembles the color of sunset. They are livebearer and can the sperms for 4 to 6 months once got impregnated. Platy keep on birthing fries after 4 to 5 weeks on the interval. Sunset Platy enthuse the breeders and are also ideal for breeding due to their nature. At the same time, Platy Fries are easy to raise. 

Feeding: Platy loves to feed on almost everything that you provide. From fish flakes to frozen food, vegetables to brine shrimp, you can give them anything. However, keep in mind that Platy require food only twice a day. Overfeeding will result in polluting the tank with leftover and excess of fish excreta. If the food is consumed in just a few minutes, it means you are feeding the right proportion of food. If the food remains floating for long hours, you are giving too much. So feed well, in the right amount, and only the quality food. 

Lifespan: Platy can live up to 1.5 to 2 years easily. Make sure you feed them well and retain the water parameters. 

Do you know?

Platy can remain pregnant all through its life as the sperm holding capacity lasts for 5 to 6 months. They keep on birthing 20 to 40 fries after every month. So if you are getting Platy for breeding purposes, make sure of getting a separate breeding tank to get healthy and strong fry.