Size
1.2-1.4 inches
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
Platies come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but they can be colored in a variety of ways. Salt and pepper platies are naturally black and white, but tuxedo and “Mickey Mouse” platies have names that suggest different patterns. Red wagtails feature a trapezoid body shape, an orange-red color, and black fins, just like many other species of platy. Platies have a combination of brown, yellow, and black patterns in the wild. Nevertheless, this may change depending on the body of water that they were initially discovered in. On the other hand, wild platys are frequently less stunning than their crossbred, captive relatives.
Habitat
Platies thrive best in small, warm bodies of water with silty bottoms and plants. Ditches, canals, springs, and marshes are examples of such places. This area’s water is between 64 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, has a pH of 7.0 to 8.0, and a hardness range of 10 to 28 dGH (18 to 26 C).
Keeping as Pet
- Tank mates
The red wagtail thrives with similar freshwater fish since it is a peaceful species. Mollies, guppies, swordtails, and tetras are also suitable possibilities. Even though they can be sexually aggressive, male wagtails rarely act aggressively toward other males and are generally good tankmates for a number of other species. Larger, more abrasive bullies, therefore exercise caution when introducing more aggressive species to a tank that already contains them, such as angelfish, which can easily prey upon platies.
- Housing in Tank and Care
Since they only require clean, filtered water maintained roughly at room temperature in the tank, platies are exceptionally well liked among fish keepers. To prevent the females from being relentlessly hunted for mating, choose a tank with a minimum capacity of 5 gallons (10 gallons is preferable). Females also appreciate a few plants as a place to hide from pestering males.
The red wagtail platy is a wonderful choice for novice fish keepers because they require little maintenance, but they have trouble in a tank that is just starting to cycle. Red wagtail platies should not be added to your aquarium until the nitrogen cycle has finished, as doing so increases the likelihood that your new fish may perish.
- Food and Nutrition
Platies in the wild eat algae, which gives them a lot of fiber, in addition to protein. Ensure that your platies receive enough fiber in their new tank. They also thrive on veggies like cucumbers, squash, and spinach in addition to protein-rich diets. Additionally, choosing flake meals with vegetable supplements is a smart option.
It’s possible you’re overfeeding them if they don’t consume all the food in a short period of time. If you give a flake food diet, add live food as a supplement because it provides significantly more nutrition. In addition to microworms, bloodworms, mosquito larvae, Daphnia, fruit flies, and chopped-up earthworms, try brine shrimp that are live or frozen. Platies must eat once or twice every day, and while they are typically hungry, they do not overeat.
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