Red Balloon Platy is a vibrant, round-bodied freshwater fish, perfect for peaceful aquariums. Hardy, colorful, and easy to care for in community tanks!

Detailed Product Description (Over 500 Words):

Overview

• The Red Balloon Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a charming freshwater fish beloved for its distinctive rounded body and striking red coloration. Developed through careful selective breeding, this platy variety has a unique "balloon" shape, giving it a cute and stout appearance without compromising its lively personality. Their peaceful temperament and hardy nature make them an excellent addition to any community aquarium and a favorite choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

Appearance

• The Red Balloon Platy has a short, deep body with a slightly arched back and prominent belly, giving it the classic "balloon" shape.
• Their coloration is a rich, uniform bright red that glows under aquarium lighting, often appearing even more vivid against a planted background.
• Size: Typically grows up to 2 inches (5 cm) when fully mature, slightly smaller than standard platies due to their balloon body shape.
• Lifespan: 2–4 years, with proper care potentially extending their lifespan.

Ideal Water Conditions

• Temperature: 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F)
• pH Level: 7.0 – 8.2
• Water Hardness: 10 – 28 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 40 liters (10 gallons); larger tanks (around 75 liters or more) are ideal for small groups and better stability.
• Maintain stable, clean water with gentle filtration and weekly water changes of 20–25% to promote healthy growth and vibrant color.

Tank Setup Recommendations

• Create an environment that combines open swimming areas with planted zones using aquatic plants such as Java Fern, Amazon Sword, and Anubias.
• Choose fine gravel or sand as the substrate to minimize injury risk to their delicate bellies.
• Include smooth decorations and driftwood for added hiding spots and to reduce stress.
• Gentle water flow is ideal, as strong currents may stress their rounded bodies.

Compatible Tank Mates
Red Balloon Platies are very peaceful and love company. They do best with other gentle, non-aggressive species, including:

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

Avoid aggressive or fast-moving fish that might outcompete them for food or stress them, such as Tiger Barbs or large Cichlids.

Feeding Habits

• Red Balloon Platies are omnivores and have a healthy appetite. A varied diet ensures vibrant colors and strong immunity.
• Offer:
  • High-quality tropical flakes or micro pellets as a daily staple
  • Occasional frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia for added protein
  • Blanched vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and shelled peas once or twice a week to promote digestion and prevent bloating
• Feed once or twice daily in small amounts, ensuring that all food is consumed within a few minutes.

Care Tips

• Due to their balloon body shape, Red Balloon Platies may be slightly less agile swimmers, so avoid strong currents and provide easy access to food.
• Their rounded shape does not require any special care beyond what is needed for other platies, but maintaining pristine water quality is critical to prevent health issues.
• Like all platies, they are livebearers and may breed readily in community tanks. If fry survival is desired, provide plenty of plants for hiding.
• Keep them in small groups of 3 or more to encourage social behavior and reduce stress.

Fun Fact:

• Despite their slightly comical "puffy" appearance, Red Balloon Platies are incredibly active and bring a ton of personality and color to any freshwater setup!