Photos taken at Wharf Aquatics
© Sean Evans Scientific nameXiphophorus species (see Comments) SynonymsPlatypoecilus (old genus name, where the common name originates from) Size4" (10cm), females slightly larger. OriginCentral America Tank setupCommunity aquarium CompatibilityPeaceful, ideal community fish Temperature20-26oC (68-79oF) Water chemistryMedium hard and slightly alkaline, pH 7.0-8.0
The addition of salt to the tank is not necessary. FeedingOmnivorous: will eat most aquarium foods, provide a balanced diet of flake, granular foods and frozen or live foods SexingMales are smaller and have a gonopodium (modified anal fin). Breeding Like most of the common livebearers, these fish breed very easily - keeping a male and female together is generally all that's required! Ideally they should be kept in a ratio of one male for every 2-3 (or more) females, to avoid harrassment of a single female by the male.

They can be bred in the community tank, but fry may be eaten depending on the other fish that share the tank, and the amount of cover. It would be preferable to remove the female to a separate tank to give birth. The young grow rapidly.

Although the fry are easy to raise, this should not lead to complacency in feeding a varied diet and maintaining good water quality, as this can lead to poor quality fish in the hobby. Comments Many colour forms and hybrids of this fish have been pr ...