CheckMyFishTankVariatus Platy care
Xiphophorus variatus · Freshwater · Beginner level care
A hardy platy that tolerates cooler water well.
Feeding
Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Flakes, small pellets, blanched vegetables.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Variatus Platy in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Variatus Platy.
- German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Variatus Platy need different water temperatures.
- Discus: Discus and Variatus Platy need different water temperatures.
- Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Variatus Platy.
- Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Variatus Platy.
- Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Variatus Platy.
- Severum: Severum grows big enough to eat Variatus Platy.
- Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Variatus Platy.
Questions
What size tank does a Variatus Platy need?
At least 20 gallons for a group of 3. Adults grow to about 3 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Variatus Platy like?
68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 7 to 8.2. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Variatus Platy should I keep together?
Keep 3 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Variatus Platy eat?
Flakes, small pellets, blanched vegetables. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.