Sunset 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 the sunset variatus for their striking color and overall friendly disposition. These fish can live in freshwater and brackish water.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Platies are hardy and easy to keep. Give them 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.

Feeding: Feed a quality flake or small pellet once or twice a day, only as much as they eat in a couple of minutes. Platies also need some plant matter, so a vegetable flake is a good choice. They also enjoy frozen brine shrimp.

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 more females than males 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.