Platy

A small group needs a minimum of about 55 litres, filtered and heated, with open swimming space and some planting. Live or silk plants give fry places to hide and help keep the water healthy, while a gentle filter keeps things clean without a strong current. A lid is sensible, as platies can occasionally jump.

Platies are omnivores, so feed a good quality flake or micro pellet as the staple, along with some vegetable matter or algae and occasional frozen brine shrimp or daphnia. Offer small amounts once or twice a day that they finish within a minute, since overfeeding quickly fouls the water and is a common beginner mistake.

Keep the water at 20 to 26 degrees Celsius, pH 7.0 to 8.0, and moderately hard to hard, since these livebearers prefer harder, mineral rich, slightly alkaline water. The tank must be fully cycled with ammonia at 0 and nitrite at 0 and nitrate low. Dechlorinate tap water before use and change about 25 percent weekly with matched temperature water.

Platies are social and do best in a small group, but because males constantly pursue females, keep more females than males, at a ratio of about two to three females per male, so no single female is harassed. They are peaceful and mix well with other small, gentle community fish, and you should expect regular batches of live fry.

Dense and floating plants give fry cover and adults places to explore and graze, while a gentle current and peaceful tankmates keep the group active and confident. A planted layout with open swimming lanes suits their busy grazing nature.