Platyby Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger 08 Oct 2007 04:23 PM Another great tropical fish for the beginner is the platy. This brightly colored fish originates in Central America and is known by many different names. Names are usually based on color patterns: red wagtail platy, red tuxedo, topsail rainbow platy, golden platy, calico platy, salt and pepper platy, coral red platy, blue platy, black platy, and more. Some have more unique names like the moon fish and the Mickey Mouse platy. Platies are very easy to care for and have a lifespan between two and three years. They tolerate a wide range of water temperatures and hardness levels. With the right water conditions, the platy will be very active -- a joy to watch all over the aquarium! They get along well with many other tropical aquarium fish. These fish are not picky eaters. You can feed your platy fish flakes, frozen food, live food, and freeze dried foods. For best health, offer a varied diet so your platies get all the nutrients they need. Female platies are usually larger than males of the same age. A female platy can reach two and a half inches (5 centimeters) in length while a male may only reach one and a half inches. Males may have a modified anal fin called a gonopodium. These fish are generally peaceful, but the males can be relentless in their pursuit of the females. If you don't want your female platies to be harassed to death, make sure you have two (or more) females in the tank for every male. It doesn't take a lot of effort to get your platies to mate! The babies can swim immediately after birth, but will need to be separated from the parents. Tank basics for your platies:
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