Southern Platy Information & Care
| Back to Freshwater Aquarium Fish Species | |
|---|---|
| Fish Type | Live-bearing |
| Fish Family | Platies & Swordtails |
| Common Name | Southern Platy |
| Scientific Name | Xiphophorus maculatus |
| Description |
The southern platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a species of freshwater fish in family Poecilidae of order Cyprinodontiformes. A live-bearer, it is closely related to the green swordtail (X. helleri) and can interbreed with it. It is native to an area of North and Central America stretching from Veracruz, Mexico, to northern Belize. The southern platyfish grows to a maximum overall length of 6.0 cm (2.4 in). Sexual dimorphism is slight, the male's caudal fin being more pointed. Wild varieties are drab in coloration, lacking the distinctive dark lateral line common to many Xiphophorus species. X. maculatus prefers slow-moving waters of canals, ditches, and warm springs. Omnivorous, its diet includes both plants and small crustaceans, insects, and worms. Breeders have developed a multitude of color varieties which are common aquarium fish for hobbyists.
From wikipedia.org |