Rainbow Platyfish

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 2"
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons   • Water Conditions: 64-78° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.0-8.2
• Diet: Omnivore   • Origin: Mexico, Guatemala, Northern Honduras   • Family: Poeciliidae
• Species: Platy   • Aquarium Type: Community

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Rainbow Platies have been available within the aquarium trade for a long time, during which they have become a favorite of beginning aquarium hobbyists due to their bright coloration and ease of care. Rainbow Platyfish are commonly sold under a variety of names including: Topsail Platy, Southern Platy, Moonfish and Rainbow Platy.

They make a great addition to any community aquarium, but are especially sought after by beginning hobbyists as they are one of the more attractive of the the fish species recommended for beginning aquarium hobbyists.

The Rainbow Platyfish exhibits brilliant coloration including a yellow / orange about the head area that fades to red towards the tail fin, along with a high dorsal fin which extends half way to the tail fin. Males are more brightly colored than the females, with females obtaining a larger size.

The Rainbow Platyfish is an ideal species for beginning aquarium hobbyists as they have very modest aquarium requirements and are tolerant of a variety of water parameters. They will do well in aquariums that are 10 gallons or larger, with stable water conditions and modest filtration. They prefer calm waters and plenty of plants and driftwood in which to swim in and around.

Rainbow Platies should be kept with hardy plants like Anubias, java ferns or java moss if kept within a smaller aquarium, as they will eat the leaves of more delicate plant species. If kept within larger aquariums that are well planted, the Rainbow Platy should not cause too much damage to delicate plant species as they will mostly eat prepared foods and only occasionally graze on plants and algae.

They do well with a wide variety of tank mates and can be kept with most any tropical community fish species and larger freshwater invertebrates that are too large to eat.

Rainbow Platyfish are an omnivorous species that eat a wide variety of foodstuffs in the wild ranging from plant matter to insects. They will pick at algae and certain plant species found within the aquarium. They should be fed a varied diet that contains quality prepared foods including: flake, freeze-dried and frozen. Tubifex, bloodworms and brine shrimp can be fed as treats or mixed with a quality flake food. Overall this species is not a picky eater and will readily consume a wide variety of foods.