MALE Xiphophorus variatus, image by Paul Barrow

Xiphophoruis variatus (Wild Type)   (Meek, 1904)
Synonyms: Platypoecilus variatus
Common Name: Variatus Platy
Other Common Names: Variable Platy, Variable Platyfish, Variegated Platy
Family: Poeciliidae
Continent: North America
Distribution: Mexico
Habitat: freshwater rivers & streams
Food:  small live foods and sinking commercial foods
Water Temperature: 15-24°C
Water Chemistry:   pH 7.0-8.0
FBAS Size:    Males [45mm]    Females [50mm]
FBAS Class: R
Temperament: inoffensive; good community fish
Aquarium Size: 30cm or longer
Gender Differences: males have a gonopodium; females usually plumper with a black area visible through the rear of the abdomen when gravid
Breeding: easy; livebearers
Additional Information: The FBAS has two classes for Platies, cultivated fish go into class P, while wild specimens go in class R

[Fish Information Menus]