Gold Twinbar Platy — a Poeciliidae from Central America, peaceful; males chase persistently, give females cover. Reaches 3–4.4 cm; groups of 6+; more females than males. 18–25 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
18–25 °C
pH
7–8
GH hardness
9–19 dGH
Adult length
3–4.4 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful; males chase persistently, give females cover
Origin
Central America
Species overview
Xiphophorus maculatus is a Poeciliidae from Central America. An unkillable beginner classic that nonetheless shows its best in hard, alkaline, well-planted water. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 3–4.4 cm. Groups of 6+; more females than males. Keep water hard and alkaline, plant densely, and expect fry — forever. Maintain 18–25 °C at pH 7–8. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Groups of 6+; more females than males
Diet
Omnivore; flakes plus vegetable matter and small live foods