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Platy
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Xiphophorus maculates. DESIGNATION: Tropical. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: From Vera Cure in Mexico to Belize and Guatemala. SIZE: Cultivated forms are, generally, larger than wild-caught specimens, females measuring around 6 cm (2.5 in) and males3.5 cm (1.5 in). WATER PREFERENCES: Neutral or slightlyalkaline water conditions at around 24°C(75°F) are preferred but some deviation fromthis will also be tolerated. DIET: Platies will accept a wide range of foodswhich should include a vegetable component. BREEDING: As in Guppies, Swordtails andother ovoviviparous species. DESCRIPTION: There are quite afew naturally-occurring forms of this species.In particular, the population from the RioPapaloapan in Mexico, is very beautifulindeed with the males possessing an almostblack body, speckled dorsal fin, clear caudaland pectorals, whitish pelvics and brilliantorange/red anal fin (gonopodium). Other varieties found in the wild includethe following: Blue: Bluish tinged body with a blue mark oneach 'shoulder'. Comet: Some individuals have black upperand lower edges to the caudal fin. Crescent: Black crescent markings at thebase of the caudal fin. Moon: 'Full-moon' black markings on thebase of the caudal fin. Nigra: Black lower part of body and blacktipped gonopodium. Pulchra: Black-spotted body with a rustbrown caudal peduncle (where tail joinsbody). Rubra: Red bodied males with black spots.
The inherent variability which X. maculates exhibits, added to the ease withwhich it hybridises with its near relatives,the Swordtail (X. helleri), and the Sunset orVariatus Platy (X. variatus), has led tonumerous artificially-produced varieties ofthe 'Common' Platy. X. maculatus can be relatively easilydistinguished from X. variatus, despite anyadditions of fancy finnage or colours whichmay have occurred. X. maculates has a ratherstumpy body, while X. variatus is more`Swordtail-shaped' (minus the sword, ofcourse). In addition, X. variatus usuallycarries a series of vertical bars on the sides ofthe body. These characteristics, obviously,apply only to individuals of pure maculatesand variatus parentage. Where they havebeen hybridised, intermediate characteristicsoccur and distinguishing criteria becomeblurred
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COMMON NAME: Platy.