Red Wagtail Platy - Xiphophorus maculatus
Red Wagtail Platy - Xiphophorus maculatus
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About this item
Red Wagtail Platy
The Red Wagtail Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a striking and popular livebearer known for its bright red body contrasted by deep black fins and tail, a pattern referred to as the “wagtail” trait. This bold color combination creates a beautiful and eye-catching look in any freshwater aquarium.
Red Wagtail Platies are hardy, peaceful, and beginner-friendly, making them an excellent choice for community aquariums and planted tanks. Their active swimming behavior and adaptability allow them to thrive in a wide range of water conditions.
Why Aquarists Love Red Wagtail Platies
• Bright red body with black wagtail fins
• Very hardy and easy to care for
• Peaceful and community-friendly
• Active and lively swimmers
Behavior & Compatibility
Red Wagtail Platies are peaceful, social fish that do well in community aquariums.
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
Red Wagtail Platies thrive in 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
Red Wagtail 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 Red Wagtail Platy is a selectively bred aquarium strain, derived from wild Xiphophorus maculatus native to Central America.
Add bold contrast and lively activity to your aquarium with the Red Wagtail 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.
