Sunset Platy (Xiphophorus Maculatus)

Sunset Platy — A Splash of Warm Colour for Any Community Tank

Cheerful, hardy, and endlessly colourful, the Sunset Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly livebearers in the freshwater hobby. Named for its warm gradient of orange, red, and yellow hues — reminiscent of a glowing sunset — this compact and active fish brings a burst of colour and life to any community aquarium.

Sunset Platies are peaceful, adaptable, and incredibly easy to care for, making them a perfect choice for new aquarists and seasoned hobbyists alike. They’re also livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry — making them a wonderful introduction to fish breeding.

Care at a Glance

• Common Name: Sunset Platy
• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus
• Origin: Central America (selectively bred variety)
• Adult Size: 3 – 5 cm (1 – 2 inches)
• pH: 6.5 – 7.2
• General Hardness (GH): 3 – 10
• Carbonate Hardness (KH): 1 – 2
• TDS: 100 – 300
• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
• Temperament: Peaceful, active community fish
• Difficulty: Beginner – Easy

Tank & Setup Tips

Sunset Platies are highly adaptable and do well in a wide range of setups. A tank of at least 10 gallons is suitable for a small group. They appreciate a mix of open swimming space and planted areas with fine-leaved plants or floating cover, especially for fry to hide in. Good filtration and regular water changes keep them at their vibrant best.

Feeding

Omnivorous and unfussy eaters. Accept high-quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. Including some plant-based foods (spirulina flakes, blanched vegetables) supports their health and colouration. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.

Compatible Tank Mates

One of the most community-friendly fish available. Ideal tank mates include other livebearers (guppies, mollies, swordtails), small tetras, corydoras, rasboras, and peaceful dwarf gouramis. Avoid fin-nipping species or aggressive fish.

Breeding

Livebearers that breed readily in captivity. Females give birth to free-swimming fry every 4–6 weeks. Provide floating plants or a breeding box to give fry a chance to survive in a community tank.

📸 Photos are for reference only. Actual fish may vary slightly in colour and pattern — each one is uniquely beautiful!