CORAL DARK RED PLATY

The Coral Dark Red Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a vivid, eye-catching livebearer prized for its intense deep-red coloration and hardiness. This strain features a rich coral-red to crimson body that glows under aquarium lighting, often with a slightly darker dorsal area and translucent fins. The saturated color, combined with its peaceful nature, makes it one of the most popular platy varieties for freshwater community aquariums.

Adult Coral Dark Red Platies grow to about 2.5 inches (6 cm) and are highly social, active swimmers. They do best when kept in small groups, where their color and playful behavior stand out.

Ideal water parameters:
Temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C)
pH: 7.0–8.2
Hardness: 10–25 dGH

Tank setup: A 15- to 20-gallon aquarium with clean, well-filtered water, moderate lighting, and plenty of swimming space is ideal. Platies appreciate planted tanks with areas of cover created by plants like Anubias, Java Fern, or Hornwort. Because they are livebearers, females can give birth every 4–6 weeks, so including dense vegetation or breeding boxes helps protect fry from adults.

Diet: Coral Dark Red Platies are omnivores that thrive on variety. Offer high-quality flake or micro-pellet foods as a staple, along with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Supplementing with vegetable-based foods like spirulina flakes or blanched zucchini enhances their rich red coloration and overall health.

Temperament and tankmates: They are peaceful and adaptable, making excellent community fish. Suitable companions include guppies, mollies, swordtails, tetras, rasboras, and corydoras. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

In summary, the Coral Dark Red Platy is a hardy, vibrant, and easy-to-care-for fish that adds warmth and movement to any freshwater aquarium. Its intense red color, gentle demeanor, and low-maintenance requirements make it a perfect choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.