Sunset Variatus Platy (Xiphophorus variatus var.)

The Sunset Variatus Platy is a captive-bred color form of Xiphophorus variatus, the Variable Platy, developed through selective breeding for its warm orange-yellow sunset coloration. The variatus platy is naturally from eastern Mexico and differs from the common platy (X. maculatus) in its slightly more elongated body, greater tolerance for cooler water, and somewhat more active temperament.

In the Sunset variety, both males and females display warm gradients of orange, red, and yellow tones across the body, with varying intensity. Males are typically slimmer than the rounder females. Like all variatus, this variety tolerates temperatures as low as 18°C, making it suitable for unheated or lightly heated aquariums.

Variatus Platies are prolific livebearers that produce free-swimming, well-developed fry. They are peaceful community fish that mix well with a wide range of species. Their slightly more active nature compared to standard platies adds energy to a community tank.

Hardiness, adaptability, and ease of care make Sunset Variatus Platies excellent for beginners. They accept a wide range of foods and reward keepers with regular broods of colorful offspring.

Water Parameters: pH 7.0–8.0, temperature 18–26°C, GH 10–25. Variatus platies are particularly tolerant of cooler water and can be kept in unheated setups in temperate climates. Adaptable to a wide range of conditions. Avoid very soft, acidic water.

Tank Setup: A 60-liter minimum for a small group. Dense planting for fry protection, open swimming space, and floating plants. Good filtration. A neutral to slightly alkaline setup suits them well.

Feeding: Omnivores accepting flake food, small pellets, frozen or live foods, and vegetable matter. Spirulina flakes and blanched vegetables are beneficial. Feed twice daily.

Tankmates: Compatible with most peaceful community fish. Best with other livebearers, small tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and similar. Keep 2:1 female to male ratio.

Breeding: Livebearers. Females drop 10–60 fry every 4–6 weeks. Dense planting protects fry. Fry accept finely crushed food from birth.