Red Wagtail Platy

The Red Wagtail Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a striking and popular livebearer known for its bright red body contrasted by deep black fins and tail, a pattern referred to as the “wagtail” trait. This bold color combination creates a beautiful and eye-catching look in any freshwater aquarium.

Red Wagtail Platies are hardy, peaceful, and beginner-friendly, making them an excellent choice for community aquariums and planted tanks. Their active swimming behavior and adaptability allow them to thrive in a wide range of water conditions.

Why Aquarists Love Red Wagtail Platies

• Bright red body with black wagtail fins
• Very hardy and easy to care for
• Peaceful and community-friendly
• Active and lively swimmers

Behavior & Compatibility

Red Wagtail Platies are peaceful, social fish that do well in community aquariums.

Suitable tank mates include:

• Tetras
• Corydoras catfish
• Guppies
• Mollies
• Rasboras
• Other peaceful community fish

They are generally safe with shrimp and non-aggressive invertebrates.

Ideal Aquarium Setup

Red Wagtail Platies thrive in aquariums with plants and open swimming space.

Recommended aquarium features include:

• Live plants for cover
• Open swimming areas
• Moderate water flow
• Stable water conditions

Diet and Feeding

Red Wagtail Platies are omnivores with a preference for plant-based foods.

Recommended foods include:

• High-quality flakes or pellets
• Algae-based foods
• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)
• Occasional frozen foods like brine shrimp

A varied diet helps maintain vibrant coloration and overall health.

Recommended Tank Parameters

Temperature: 70 – 80°F (21 – 27°C)
pH: 7.0 – 8.2
KH: 10 – 25 dKH
Minimum Tank Size: 10–15 gallons

Size Information

Average Adult Size:
2 – 2.5 inches (5 – 6 cm)

Typical Sale Size:
1 – 1.5 inches (2.5 – 3.8 cm)

Origin

The Red Wagtail Platy is a selectively bred aquarium strain, derived from wild Xiphophorus maculatus native to Central America.

Add bold contrast and lively activity to your aquarium with the Red Wagtail Platy, a hardy and beautiful fish perfect for freshwater community tanks. 🐟