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Are platys easy to keep?

Are platys easy to keep?

Platy (xiphophorus) is a very popular tropical freshwater fish species held by aquarists around the world. As most other species from the Poeciliidae family, platies are great fish for both beginners and experienced aquarists. They are easy to keep and breed and their potential is great.

What do Platies need in their tank?

Platies originate from Mexico and Central America, so they require warm temperatures between 70° and 80°F (21°-27°C). You’ll need to add a heater to your tank in order to provide them with the temperatures they need. Pro Tip: Keeping the temperature stable in your aquarium is an absolute must.

Why do platys stay at the bottom of the tank?

So, why is your platy not eating and staying at the bottom of the tank? Some common reasons why platies stop eating include unsuitable water conditions, a disease or infection, pregnancy, bullying, and digestive issues.

What is the lifespan of a platy fish?

Healthy platies can live up to 3-4 years when kept in optimal environments with clean water, low stress, and good nutrition.

Why did my platy died suddenly?

Platies mostly die due to the fluctuations in water conditions, sudden changes in temperature or inappropriate filtration system. Using untreated tap water can also cause your Platies to die as it contains chlorine and chloramines.

How do I know if my platy is dying?

If your Platy drifts close to the bottom or is gasping for air at the surface, it is definitely sick. Loss of appetite can indicate sickness in many cases which ultimately may result in death. If the Platy has cotton-like patches on the skin or fins, that indicates a bacterial infection.

How many times should I feed my platy fish?

How often should platys be fed? Once a day is fine for adults, whereas two to three small meals a day is preferred for growing juveniles. If you notice long strings of poop constantly dangling from your platies, you may be overfeeding your fish so consider decreasing their portion size.

Is it safe to put platy fish in tap water?

If you’re using tap water to set up your platy aquarium, make sure you de-chlorinate your tap water and treat it against other contamination issues as well. Chlorine is not safe for your platies even if present in very small quantities.

How long do platies live in an aquarium?

Platies are peaceful fish that won’t cause trouble in the aquarium they’re added to and make an excellent tank mate to freshwater fish that have the same peaceful temperament. They live up to 4 years in captivity, which isn’t very long compared to other species, which is why you should strive to offer them the best conditions you possibly can.

When to put a platy fish in a quarantine tank?

To ensure they and any other tank inhabitants are healthy and remain that way, it’s best to place your new fish in a quarantine tank for at least one week. Though platy fish are not technically schooling fish, they do better when kept in groups. This makes them more confident and, if the right female-to-male ratio is used, more peaceful.

What should I do when my platy fish gives birth?

Once the mother gives birth, you can expect to have 20-40 new fry on average. Sometimes, this number can climb as high as 80. Return the mother to the community tank. After the mother fish gives birth, you can return her to the community tank (assuming you separated her). The fry will now be free to develop without threat of being eaten.