Sunset Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)
Freshwater Sunset Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)
Species: Xiphophorus maculatus
Growth Form: Small, livebearing freshwater fish
Coloration: Bright orange to yellow gradient (“sunset” pattern)
Temperament: Peaceful; social, mild male aggression possible
Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum (20+ gallons recommended for groups)
Placement: Mid to upper water column
Lighting: Low to moderate
Flow: Low to moderate
Diet: Omnivore (flakes, pellets, frozen/live foods, vegetable matter)
Feeding: 1–2 times daily; benefits from plant-based foods
Care Level: Easy
Freshwater Sunset Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)
Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus
Common Names: Sunset Platy, Platy Fish
Family: Poeciliidae
Origin: Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras)
Overview
Sunset platies are a vibrant and hardy livebearing fish, prized for their warm orange-to-yellow gradient coloration that resembles a sunset. They are peaceful, easy to care for, and highly adaptable—making them an excellent choice for beginner and community aquariums. Their constant activity and bright colors add life to any tank.
Size
- Adult Size: 2–2.5 inches
- Growth Rate: Fast
Lifespan
- Typically 2–4 years
Temperament
- Peaceful and social
- Ideal for community tanks
- Males may occasionally display mild aggression toward each other
- Best kept in groups with more females than males
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Recommended: 20+ gallons for groups
- Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
- Aquascape: Heavily planted with open swimming space
- Filtration: Moderate; adaptable to a range of conditions
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
- pH: 7.0–8.2
- Hardness: Moderate to hard (10–25 dGH)
- Prefer stable, slightly alkaline water
Diet
- Omnivorous
- Eats:
- High-quality flakes or micro pellets
- Frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms)
- Vegetable matter (spirulina, blanched veggies)
Feeding
- Feed 1–2 times daily
- Provide a balanced diet with plant-based foods
- Will graze on algae in the aquarium
Tank Mates
Compatible:
- Guppies, mollies, swordtails
- Tetras, rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Peaceful shrimp (with caution)
Avoid:
- Aggressive or fin-nipping species
- Large predatory fish
Breeding
- Livebearers (give birth to free-swimming fry)
- Breed readily in home aquariums
- Gestation period: ~24–30 days
- Provide plants or hiding spaces for fry survival (adults may eat them)
Care Level
- Easy
- Excellent for beginners due to hardiness and adaptability
Special Notes
- Very active swimmers; benefit from group dynamics
- Maintain a ratio of 1 male to 2–3 females to reduce stress
- Regular water changes enhance coloration and health
- Compatible with most peaceful community setups