Panda Platy - Xiphophorus maculatus
Panda Platy - Xiphophorus maculatus
Key Specs
Price when purchased online
Arrives by Wed, Mar 25
Check nearby stores
Available today
About this item
Panda Platy
The Panda Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a unique and eye-catching livebearer known for its contrasting black and white coloration, resembling the markings of a panda. This bold pattern makes it a standout fish in any freshwater aquarium.
Panda Platies are peaceful, hardy, and beginner-friendly, making them an excellent choice for community aquariums. Their active swimming behavior and adaptability allow them to thrive in a wide range of aquarium setups.
Why Aquarists Love Panda Platies
• Distinct black and white panda pattern
• Very hardy and easy to care for
• Peaceful and community-friendly
• Active and lively swimmers
Behavior & Compatibility
Panda Platies are peaceful, social fish that do well in community tanks.
Suitable tank mates include:
• Tetras
• Corydoras catfish
• Guppies
• Mollies
• Rasboras
• Other peaceful community fish
They are generally safe with shrimp and non-aggressive invertebrates.
Ideal Aquarium Setup
Panda Platies prefer aquariums with plants and open swimming space.
Recommended aquarium features include:
• Live plants for cover
• Open swimming areas
• Moderate water flow
• Stable water conditions
Diet and Feeding
Panda Platies are omnivores with a preference for plant-based foods.
Recommended foods include:
• High-quality flakes or pellets
• Algae-based foods
• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)
• Occasional frozen foods like brine shrimp
A varied diet helps maintain vibrant coloration and overall health.
Recommended Tank Parameters
Temperature: 70 – 80°F (21 – 27°C)
pH: 7.0 – 8.2
KH: 10 – 25 dKH
Minimum Tank Size: 10–15 gallons
Size Information
Average Adult Size:
2 – 2.5 inches (5 – 6 cm)
Typical Sale Size:
1 – 1.5 inches (2.5 – 3.8 cm)
Origin
The Panda Platy is a selectively bred aquarium strain, derived from wild Xiphophorus maculatus native to Central America.
Add bold contrast and lively energy to your aquarium with the Panda Platy, a hardy and beautiful fish perfect for freshwater community tanks. 🐟
Reviews
Customers are saying
Customers express satisfaction with this fish's vibrant coloration and healthy arrival condition. The elegant fin structure is frequently praised as a standout feature. Some buyers note that the fish can be a picky eater initially but adjusts well over time. Overall, reviewers recommend this as an excellent centerpiece fish for medium to large aquariums.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
Top Mentions
Beautiful addition to my reef!
The fish arrived in perfect condition. Packaging was triple insulated with heat packs. Acclimation was smooth and it was eating frozen mysis within 2 hours of introduction. AquaEditorial never disappoints.
Great value for the price
Exactly as described. Fast shipping and very well packed.
Good but picky eater
Beautiful specimen, arrived healthy. Takes a while to adjust to new food but eventually started eating pellets. Great addition to my South American cichlid tank.
FAQs
What temperature should I keep the tank at for this fish?
Great question! We recommend maintaining a water temperature of 82–86°F (28–30°C). Discus are tropical fish and thrive in warm, stable water conditions. A reliable heater with a thermostat is essential.
Can I keep this with other fish in a community tank?
Yes! Discus are peaceful and social. They do best with calm tank mates like Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, and Corydoras Catfish. Avoid aggressive or fast-moving fish that may stress them.
What size tank do I need for a small group?
We recommend a minimum of 55 gallons for a small group of discus. They need spacious aquariums with open swimming areas, live plants, driftwood, and gentle filtration.
What should I feed them?
Discus are omnivores and benefit from a varied diet. We recommend high-quality discus pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and beef heart mixes. A varied diet helps maintain vibrant coloration.
Do you guarantee live arrival?
Absolutely! All live fish are shipped with our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. If there are any issues upon delivery, contact us within 2 hours with photos and we'll make it right.
