Moon Platy is a peaceful, hardy freshwater fish with shimmering silver hues, perfect for community aquariums. Easy to care for and beginner-friendly!

Detailed Product Description (Over 500 Words):

Overview

• The Moon Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a dazzling freshwater fish known for its peaceful temperament and stunning silver coloration that glows beautifully under aquarium lighting. Native to Central America, Moon Platies are highly popular among aquarists due to their hardiness, ease of breeding, and vibrant appearance. They are ideal for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

Appearance

• Moon Platies display a bright, luminous silver body, often with hints of pale blue or cream depending on the lighting. Their short, rounded bodies and fan-like tails make them a visually pleasing addition to any freshwater community tank.
• Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) when fully grown.
• Lifespan: Typically 2–4 years with proper care.

Ideal Water Conditions

• Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F)
• pH Level: 6.8 – 8.0
• Water Hardness: 10 – 28 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum of 40 liters (10 gallons) for a small group, but larger tanks promote better swimming space and more stable water parameters.
• Moon Platies thrive in well-filtered aquariums with stable, clean water. Regular water changes (around 20–25% weekly) are recommended to keep them healthy.

Tank Setup Recommendations

• Provide a mix of open swimming space and planted areas. Hardy plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Hornwort work very well.
• A gentle filter (sponge filters or low-flow HOB filters) ensures that the current does not become too strong for their comfort.
• Fine gravel or sand substrates are suitable, and adding rocks or driftwood can offer extra hiding spots and enhance the natural environment.

Compatible Tank Mates
Moon Platies are non-aggressive and highly social, making them excellent community tank residents. Good tank mates include:

• Other Platies (of different colors)
• Guppies
• Mollies
• Swordtails
• Corydoras Catfish
• Tetras (such as Neon Tetras and Ember Tetras)
• Dwarf Gouramis
• Small Rasboras (e.g., Harlequin Rasbora)
• Peaceful snails and shrimps (e.g., Nerite Snails, Amano Shrimps)

Avoid housing them with aggressive or fin-nipping species like Tiger Barbs or large Cichlids.

Feeding Habits

• Moon Platies are omnivores and accept a wide variety of foods. A balanced diet promotes vibrant coloration and robust health.
• Recommended diet:
  • High-quality flake food or micropellets formulated for tropical fish
  • Occasional treats like bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp (live or frozen)
  • Blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas can be offered once or twice a week to provide fiber and prevent bloating.
• Feed small portions 1–2 times daily, ensuring all food is consumed within a few minutes to prevent water quality issues.

Care Tips

• Moon Platies are very adaptable but still benefit from stable, well-maintained water conditions.
• They are livebearers, meaning females can give birth to fully formed fry without laying eggs. If breeding is not desired, consider keeping only one gender or providing plenty of plant cover for fry to hide.
• Regular tank maintenance, good diet, and a stress-free environment will help your Moon Platy thrive and show its best colors.
• Observe them for any signs of common freshwater diseases like ich or fin rot. Early detection and treatment ensure a healthy aquarium.