Calico Blue Coral Platy - Xiphophorus maculatus

The Calico Blue Coral Platy is a vibrant freshwater fish celebrated for its striking coloration and patterns. This attractive variety features a mix of bright oranges, reds, whites, and black speckling with an iridescent blue sheen making it a popular choice among aquarists seeking to add a splash of color to their tanks.

Description:

• Common Name: Calico Blue Coral 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, along with plenty of plants and decorations for cover.

Care Level:

• Difficulty: Easy; ideal for beginners.

• Diet: Omnivorous; enjoys high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia.

• Tankmates: Peaceful; suitable for community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish like tetras, rasboras, and other livebearers.

Behavior and Aquascaping:

Calico Blue Coral Platys are social fish that thrive in groups, so it’s best to keep them in schools of three or more. They appreciate a well-planted tank with open swimming areas, as well as some hiding spots.

Additional Tips:

• Regular water changes help maintain a clean and healthy environment.

• Monitor water parameters closely, as stability is key to their well-being.

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