Southern Platy care guide
Xiphophorus maculatus · Poeciliidae
Southern Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is an aquarium animal. It belongs to the Poeciliidae family. It is native to Seriously Fish lists the former name Platypoecilus maculatus; the distribution text was not read in full on this pass.. Water temperature: 20°C – 26°C. pH: 7.0 – 8.2. Care difficulty: Easy.
How do you care for Southern Platy?
| Temperature | 20°C – 26°C |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.0 – 8.2 |
| Placement | Mid-to-upper water; a tank of at least about 60 × 30 cm (~54 litres), hard water (10–30 dGH). |
| Growth | Small: about 5 cm (2 in) standard length. |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Family | Poeciliidae |
How do you trim and propagate Southern Platy?
Unfussy: accepts dried, frozen or live food. A livebearer, so batches of fry are continual.
What problems affect Southern Platy?
Males can harass females relentlessly if females are few.
How do you fix Southern Platy problems?
Keep more females than males to spread out the attention.
Where does Southern Platy come from?
Seriously Fish lists the former name Platypoecilus maculatus; the distribution text was not read in full on this pass.
What should you know before buying Southern Platy?
Very peaceful; it can be kept with most community species, without the aggression of some swordtails and mollies.
Sources
- Xiphophorus maculatus (Platy) — Seriously Fish
- Xiphophorus maculatus — FishBase
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-10-29.
See Southern Platy in a living world
- Community Planted Tank — aquarium
Last updated · Open the interactive 3D guide · All species care guides