Red Calico Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Red Calico Platy

The Red Calico Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a colourful and lively freshwater fish featuring vibrant red to orange colouration combined with contrasting dark calico-style markings. Each fish develops its own individual pattern, making them a fantastic way to add colour and variety to a community aquarium.

Platies are well known for their peaceful nature, hardiness, and easy care requirements, making the Red Calico Platy an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced fishkeepers.

These active little fish enjoy planted aquariums with plenty of open swimming space. They are generally very community-friendly and can be kept alongside other peaceful species such as Mollies, Swordtails, Corydoras, peaceful Gouramis, Rasboras, and similarly sized community fish.

Feeding

Red Calico Platies are omnivorous and easy to feed. A quality tropical flake or small pellet makes an excellent staple, supplemented with vegetable-based foods and occasional frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.

What We Like About This Fish

• Vibrant red and orange colouration

• Attractive calico-style markings

• Each fish has a slightly different pattern

• Peaceful and community-friendly

• Hardy and easy to care for

• Great choice for beginner aquarists

• Active without requiring a huge aquarium

• Livebearer that can readily breed in the aquarium

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C

• pH: 7.0–8.2

• Minimum tank size: Approximately 50–60L

• Water: Prefers moderately hard to hard water

• Aquascape: Plants with plenty of open swimming space

Care Guidelines

• Diet: Omnivore

• Temperament: Peaceful and active

• Adult size: Approximately 5–7cm

• Care level: Easy

• Social behaviour: Social and best kept with other peaceful fish

• Breeding: Livebearer and readily breeds under suitable aquarium conditions

Please note: Colouration and calico markings naturally vary between individual fish. Sample photos are for reference only.