Our Guide To Keeping Red Tiger Platy Fish
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About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Xiphophorus maculatus (Red Tiger Platy variant)
- Common name: Red Tiger Platy
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Origin: Central America (Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala)
- Adult length: 6 cm
- Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
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Tank Setup:
- Red Tiger Platies thrive in a well-planted tank with open swimming spaces. A minimum tank size of 40L is suitable for a small group.
- Provide a mix of live plants such as Java Moss, Water Wisteria, and Anubias to mimic their natural habitat and offer shelter.
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Water Parameters:
- Red Tiger Platies prefer a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0.
- Keep the water temperature between 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F).
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- A gentle to moderate water flow is ideal for Red Tiger Platies. Use a filter that provides consistent water circulation.
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Diet:
- Red Tiger Platies are omnivorous and accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live foods.
- Offer a balanced diet with high-quality flakes or pellets, and supplement with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and blanched vegetables such as spinach or zucchini.
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Tank mates:
- Red Tiger Platies are peaceful and can be housed with other small, non-aggressive species such as guppies, mollies, tetras, and Corydoras catfish.
- Avoid keeping them with larger, aggressive fish that may cause harm or stress.
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Behavior and Compatibility:
- Red Tiger Platies are active, peaceful fish that do best in small groups. They are social and enjoy the company of other peaceful species.
- Avoid keeping them with fin-nippers or overly aggressive species to maintain a stress-free environment.