Sunburst Mickey Mouse Platy - Xiphophorus maculatus

The Sunburst Mickey Mouse Platy is a charming and colorful freshwater fish known for its unique appearance and playful personality. With its bright sunburst coloration and distinctive “Mickey Mouse” spot pattern on the tail, this variety is a favorite among aquarists looking to add vibrancy to their tanks.

Description:

• Common Name: Sunburst Mickey Mouse Platy

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus

• Family: Poeciliidae

• Maximum Size: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)

Aquarium Setup:

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 liters)

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)

• pH: 6.8-8.0

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5-20 dGH)

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand, with plenty of plants and decorations for hiding and grazing.

Care Level:

• Difficulty: Easy; perfect for beginners.

• Diet: Omnivorous; enjoys a varied diet of high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms.

• Tankmates: Peaceful; compatible with other small, non-aggressive fish such as tetras, rasboras, and other livebearers.

Behavior and Aquascaping:

Sunburst Mickey Mouse Platys are social fish that do best in groups, ideally in schools of three or more. They thrive in a well-planted tank with open swimming areas and hiding spots to reduce stress.

Additional Tips:

• Regular water changes are essential to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

• Monitor water parameters regularly for stability, which is crucial for their health.

• Breeding is straightforward; females can give birth to live young, so consider separate breeding tanks if you wish to control reproduction.