Mickey Platy is a vibrant freshwater fish with a fun Mickey Mouse tail pattern, perfect for peaceful community tanks. Easy to care for and beginner-friendly!

Detailed Product Description (Over 500 Words):

Overview

• The Mickey Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a playful and colorful freshwater fish, loved for its unique “Mickey Mouse” pattern near the base of its tail — a dark spot with two smaller spots above, resembling the famous mouse ears. Native to Central America, this cheerful and hardy fish is ideal for beginners and community aquariums alike, adding personality and lively movement to any tank setup.

Appearance

• Mickey Platies are typically available in a range of stunning colors, such as orange, yellow, red, and blue, often with shimmering or metallic finishes.
• Their defining feature is the black “Mickey Mouse” pattern at the base of their caudal fin, making them instantly recognizable and beloved among aquarists.
• Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) when fully grown.
• Lifespan: Typically 2–4 years with good care, sometimes longer under ideal conditions.

Ideal Water Conditions

• Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F)
• pH Level: 6.8 – 8.2
• Water Hardness: 10 – 28 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 40 liters (10 gallons); larger is better for groups to ensure stable water parameters and active swimming space.
• Clean, well-filtered water with consistent maintenance is key. Perform weekly water changes of about 20–25% to maintain water quality.

Tank Setup Recommendations

• A well-decorated aquarium with live plants (like Java Moss, Anubias, and Hornwort) provides hiding spots and resting areas.
• Use a sandy or fine gravel substrate and gentle filtration to create a peaceful environment.
• Decorate with smooth rocks, driftwood, and aquatic ornaments to enhance the tank while keeping the swimming space open.
• Moderate lighting will help bring out the brilliant colors of the Mickey Platy.

Compatible Tank Mates
Mickey Platies are extremely peaceful and sociable, making them ideal for a variety of community tanks. Great companions include:

• Other Platies (including Hi Fin and Assorted Platies)
• Guppies
• Mollies
• Swordtails
• Tetras (Neon Tetra, Ember Tetra)
• Corydoras Catfish
• Rasboras (e.g., Harlequin Rasbora)
• Small Gouramis (such as Honey Gouramis)
• Peaceful snails (like Nerite Snails) and shrimps (like Amano or Cherry Shrimp)

Avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish that could stress or harm them.

Feeding Habits

• Mickey Platies are omnivorous and have a hearty appetite, making them very easy to feed.
• Offer a varied diet including:
  • High-quality flake foods or micro pellets for tropical fish
  • Frozen or live foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms to boost their health and coloration
  • Blanched vegetables like spinach, peas, or zucchini once or twice a week to ensure good digestion and prevent bloating
• Feed small amounts 1–2 times a day, ensuring they consume all food within a few minutes to maintain water cleanliness.

Care Tips

• Although hardy, Mickey Platies thrive best in stable water conditions with regular tank maintenance.
• Being livebearers, they can breed easily in community tanks. If fry are not desired, maintain single-gender groups or provide heavy plant cover to allow natural survival rates to regulate population.
• Watch for common health issues such as ich or fin rot; maintaining good water quality and providing a balanced diet minimizes these risks.
• Their social nature means they should always be kept in groups — ideally 3 or more — to prevent loneliness and stress.

Fun Fact:

• The famous Mickey Mouse tail pattern is naturally occurring but has been enhanced through selective breeding to create a charming, unmistakable look that delights aquarists young and old!