{"product_id":"balloon-hifin-red-platy-xiphophorus-maculatus","title":"Balloon Micky Platy ( Xiphophorus maculatus )","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBalloon Mickey Platy — \u003cem\u003eXiphophorus maculatus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheerful, hardy, and endlessly entertaining — the Balloon Mickey Platy is a beloved freshwater classic with a twist. Named for its rounded, balloon-shaped body and the distinctive Mickey Mouse-like spot pattern near the tail, this livebearer brings personality and colour to any community aquarium. An ideal choice for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecies Profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eXiphophorus maculatus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Captive-bred selectively from Central American lineage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4 – 5 cm (1.5 – 2 inches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 – 3 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful, active, social\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy — excellent for beginners\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Livebearer — gives birth to free-swimming fry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBody Shape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rounded, compact balloon-shaped body — a selectively bred trait\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMarkings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Distinctive tri-spot pattern near the caudal peduncle resembling the Mickey Mouse silhouette\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColouration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Variable — commonly seen in orange, red, yellow, and mixed forms with vivid contrast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0 – 8.2 (neutral to slightly alkaline)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003egH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 – 25\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTDS:\u003c\/strong\u003e 200 – 400 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimum 40 L (10 gallons); larger for groups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hard, alkaline water preferred — tolerates a wide range of conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thrives in planted tanks with open swimming space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle to moderate flow; sponge or hang-on-back filter suitable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTankmates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with other peaceful community fish — tetras, corydoras, rasboras, guppies, mollies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-quality flake or micro-pellet food\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupplemental:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), live or frozen daphnia, brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feed small amounts 2–3× daily; they are active grazers and will also nibble on algae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalloon Mickey Platies are prolific livebearers. Females give birth to 20–80 free-swimming fry every 4–6 weeks under good conditions. Provide dense planting or a breeding box to protect fry from adults. Fry are hardy and easy to raise on crushed flake or baby brine shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52953816695057,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0679\/9225\/6785\/files\/Mickey-Mouse.b197b0_dc079f09-2b1f-40bb-b771-ac48932ddaf7.webp?v=1778133447","url":"https:\/\/www.aquapets.ca\/products\/balloon-hifin-red-platy-xiphophorus-maculatus","provider":"Aquapets ( KowloonAquarium)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}