Wagtail Platy

Xiphophorus maculatus var. Wagtail

The Wagtail Platy stands out for the sharp contrast between its colored body (often fire red) and all its fins black as coal. Very easy to breed, it is an omnivorous shredder and a serial reproducer. Unfortunately, its hardiness is often its doom: it is placed in uncycled micro-aquariums or with plant soils that nullify the water's minerals. Without calcium and hard water, its kidneys shut down and it dies agonizingly.

Family: Poeciliidae
Origin: Variante selezionata. Nord e Centro America.
Origin: Selective breeding and cultivarsCentral America and Caribbean
Tank use: Used in 0 tanks

Species challenges

Temperature

22 °C - 28 °C

7 - 8.5

Water type

Freshwater

Tank level

Surface and middle

Adult size

6 cm

Description

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Morphology initially created in a laboratory in New York in 1940 (genetic studies) and then became immensely popular in the hobby.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Wagtail Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus). Poeciliid.

Social Behavior: Sociable, calm swimmer.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Ink Fins. The Wagtail ("Dark fan tail") has the characteristic of having all fins (caudal, dorsal, anal, pectoral) solid raven black. The body can be red, gold (Gold Wagtail) or blue. Strong visual contrast.

Care and observations

Aquarium Setup: Poeciliid tank (60 cm / 24 inches minimum) with dense peripheral vegetation and gentle filtration.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivore (flakes and spirulina).

Water Quality: Hard waters, high KH and GH.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Peaceful Platy for classic community tanks (Rasboras, Tetras, Corydoras).

Aquarium Reproduction: Crossbreeds very easily; to maintain the purity of the raven black "Wagtail" trait on the fins, it must be isolated in monospecific tanks.

Risks and Diseases: General robustness, although susceptible to "Shimmy" (rocking in place) if kept in water that is too soft (mineral deficiency).

Fish profile

Temperament: Vivace, rincorre le femmine incessantemente.
Diet: Onnivoro. Richiede alta percentuale di materiale vegetale.
Tank level: Surface and middle
Adult size: 6 cm
GH: 10 dGH - 30 dGH
KH: n/a
TDS: n/a
Conductivity: n/a

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.