Bumblebee Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

The Bumblebee Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a vibrant and hardy livebearing fish, loved for its striking black head and bright yellow body. Peaceful, active, and incredibly easy to care for, this colourful variety is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

Originally descended from wild populations found throughout Central America, Platies have been selectively bred for generations, resulting in a wide range of beautiful colour varieties. The Bumblebee Platy is one of the most eye-catching, adding constant movement and brilliant colour to any community aquarium.

These social fish thrive in planted aquariums and are happiest when kept in small groups. Like other livebearers, they are easy to breed, making them an excellent choice for those wanting to experience raising fish fry.

Feeding

Bumblebee Platies are omnivores and readily accept a wide variety of foods. Feed a quality flake or micro pellet as a staple diet, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and spirulina-based foods to promote vibrant colouration and excellent health.

Why We Like This Fish

• Striking black and yellow colouration
• Peaceful and ideal for community aquariums
• Hardy and beginner-friendly
• Active swimmers with loads of personality
• Easy to breed in the home aquarium

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 24–27°C
• pH: 6.8–7.8
• Minimum Aquarium Size: 40 litres
• Water Quality: Ammonia 0 ppm, Nitrite 0 ppm, Nitrate below 30 ppm

Care Information

• Diet: Omnivore – accepts quality flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods.
• Temperament: Peaceful.
• Social Behaviour: Best kept in groups. Mix females and males to encourage natural behaviour.
• Origin: Tank-bred. Species native to Central America.
• Maximum Size: Approximately 5 cm.
• Tank Level: Middle to upper.

Compatibility: Excellent with tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, gouramis, rainbowfish, danios, mollies, swordtails, and other peaceful community fish. They are also generally safe with ornamental shrimp and snails.

Please note: Sample photos are for reference only. Colour, size, and markings may vary slightly as each fish is unique.