{"product_id":"blue-spotted-redtail-platy-xiphophorus-maculatus","title":"Blue Spotted Redtail Platy - Xiphophorus maculatus","description":"\u003ch1\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBlue Spotted Redtail Platy – \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXiphophorus maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Spotted Redtail Platy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a colourful captive-bred livebearer strain selected for blue body tones, spotted markings and a contrasting red tail. Also sold as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Redtail Platy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpotted Platy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Spotted Platy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFancy Platy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, this peaceful and active fish is ideal for planted community aquariums with stable, mineral-rich water and calm tank mates. It is hardy when kept correctly, easy to feed and suitable for many aquarists, but it should not be kept in very soft acidic conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Blue Spotted Redtail Platy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Blue Redtail Platy, Blue Spotted Platy, Spotted Platy, Fancy Platy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXiphophorus maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrain \/ Form:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Captive-bred Blue Spotted Redtail ornamental strain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Livebearer \/ Platy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXiphophorus maculatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is native to North and Central America, where wild platies occur in warm springs, canals, ditches, creeks, swamps and slow-moving vegetated waters. These habitats often contain plant cover, silt or soft margins, gentle flow and plenty of small foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Blue Spotted Redtail Platy is a captive-bred ornamental form, so its blue colour, spotting and red tail have been developed through selective breeding. Its care should still be based on the needs of healthy platies: clean stable water, plant cover, gentle to moderate flow and mineral-rich conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Spotted Redtail Platies usually show a blue, steel-blue, grey-blue or pale bluish body with darker spots, speckling or marbled markings. The tail is typically red, orange-red or scarlet, giving strong contrast against the cooler body colour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMales are usually smaller and slimmer, with a modified anal fin called a gonopodium. Females are larger, deeper-bodied and fuller when mature. Adults usually reach around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4–6 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with females normally larger than males.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis strain is well suited to planted community aquariums, livebearer displays and peaceful tropical setups. It appreciates stable water, open swimming space, plant cover and regular feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Spotted Redtail Platies are not ideal for very soft acidic aquariums or aggressive communities. They do best in harder, more alkaline water and should be kept with tank mates that enjoy similar conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA practical minimum is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e60 litres for a small group\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e80 litres or more preferred\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for mixed communities or breeding groups.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMale-only groups are useful for display and help prevent unwanted fry. If keeping males and females together, use at least \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003etwo or three females per male\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e to reduce persistent attention on individual females. Platies breed readily, so plan for fry or keep sexes separate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 22–26°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 7.0–8.0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderately hard to hard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Platies do best in stable, mineral-rich water and are not ideal for very soft acidic conditions. Provide good filtration, regular water changes and gentle to moderate flow. Avoid sudden parameter swings, poor water quality, cold water and overcrowding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Spotted Redtail Platies are peaceful, active community fish. Males may display to females and each other, but this is usually harmless in a suitable group with enough space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood tank mates include guppies, mollies in suitable water, swordtails, peaceful rainbowfish, small to medium rasboras, peaceful tetras that tolerate harder water, cory-type catfish in suitable conditions, Bristlenose Plecos and other calm community fish. Avoid aggressive cichlids, large predators, fin-nipping species and very soft-water specialists.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlaties are omnivorous foragers. Offer quality flakes, small pellets, livebearer granules and fine floating or slow-sinking foods as the staple diet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSupplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and finely chopped bloodworm. Include vegetable and algae-based foods such as spirulina flakes, algae wafers or blanched greens to support digestion, colour and long-term health.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is an active midwater to upper-level livebearer that spends much of its time swimming in open areas, browsing plants and feeding near the surface. It is visible, social and usually confident once settled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlaties are livebearers and can breed very easily. Females give birth to free-swimming fry, which may survive in planted aquariums with moss, floating plants or dense cover. Adults and tank mates may eat fry, so separate rearing is needed if you want to save larger numbers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep Blue Spotted Redtail Platies in clean, stable and mineral-rich water. Avoid very soft acidic conditions, poor water quality and sudden temperature drops.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecorative strains can vary in colour and pattern between individuals. Male-only groups are a good choice for colourful display tanks, while mixed-sex groups should be planned carefully due to rapid breeding. Do not mix different platy or swordtail strains if maintaining a pure breeding line is important, as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXiphophorus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e species and varieties can hybridise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon to occasional \/ Captive-bred ornamental strain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, spotting, tail colour, fin shape, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43742941642826,"sku":"AG-102986","price":1.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43742941675594,"sku":"AG-102987","price":2.45,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43742941708362,"sku":"AG-102988","price":2.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/BlueSpottedRedtailPlaty-Xiphophorusmaculatus_1.jpg?v=1782334284","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/blue-spotted-redtail-platy-xiphophorus-maculatus","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}