Assorted Mickey Mouse Platys

Assorted Mickey Mouse Platys
(Xiphophorus maculatus)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 64-77° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.0-8.2
Max. Size: 2½"
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Red, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Eastern Mexico, Guatemala, Northern Honduras
Family: Poeciliidae

The Mickey Mouse Platy is also known as the Moonfish or the Southern Platyfish, and is a hybrid color variation of Xiphophorus maculatus platy. The Mickey Mouse Platy is so named because of the black mark at the base of the body, reaching into the tail that is shaped like Mickey Mouse's silhouette. Color forms of orange, yellow, red, and blue are the most common. Platys add brilliant colors to the aquarium as well as being very easy to keep, making them a great fish for beginners and accomplished aquarists alike.

The Mickey Mouse Platy requires a tank of at least 10 gallons that is densely planted with hardy plants like Java Fern and Java Moss. They are very peaceful fish and make an excellent addition to the community tank. Any other peaceful fish can be housed with them.

The Mickey Mouse Platy is a livebearer and is capable of reproducing at three to four months of age. The male is smaller and more brightly colored than the female, and can be distinguished by his gonopodium. The fry will most often reach maturity in a community tank.

The Mickey Mouse Platy is an omnivore that will eat commercially prepared flaked foods and algae, as well as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp.

from www.liveaquaria.com