Red Tail Black Neon Variatus Platy

There are two species of platy from southern Mexico: platy maculatus and platy variatus. The variatus have higher dorsal fins, jump a bit more, and grow slightly larger than the maculatus. The two species will breed, and several hybrids are available, particularly the assorted hi-fin platies. AquariumFish.com carries just a few of these select variations for their striking color and great fins. The picture of the neon red tail variatus says it all. These fish can live in freshwater and brackish water.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Platies are hardy and easy to keep. Give a small group at least a 10-gallon tank with a filter, a lid and plenty of plants. They can live without a heater in rooms that stay above about 65°F. They prefer harder, slightly alkaline water. Change about 25% of the water every week.

Feeding: Feed a quality flake or small pellet once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in about two minutes. Platies also need plant matter, so include a vegetable or spirulina flake, plus treats of frozen or live brine shrimp and daphnia.

Tankmates: Platies get along with most peaceful community fish, such as other livebearers (mollies, guppies and swordtails), tetras, rasboras and corydoras. Avoid large or aggressive fish that may bully or eat them.

Breeding: Platies are livebearers, so a tank with males and females will almost certainly have babies (fry). Adults will eat fry, so add dense plants or use a breeding box if you want to raise them. Keeping two or three females per male gives the females a break from the males' attention.

Good to know: Variatus are keen jumpers, so keep a tight-fitting lid on the tank.