Platy (Xiphophorus Maculatus 'Panda Mickey')

Add a vivid focal point to your freshwater aquarium with the Xiphophorus maculatus ‘Panda Mickey’. Its bright blue body and distinctive Mickey Mouse-shaped tail pattern bring a playful splash of colour, while its mature size of about 3 cm keeps it compact among other small fish.

This peaceful livebearer suits a community aquarium with small, non-aggressive tank mates. Add leafy plants and floating cover for places to shelter, while leaving open swimming space. A small group needs a tank of at least 10 gallons (40 L).

• Water conditions: Keep the temperature at 22–26°C (72–78°F), pH at 7.0–8.0 and hardness at 5–20 dGH.
• Filtration: Mild to moderate filtration helps maintain clear water and a gentle current.
• Community companions: Consider small tetras, rasboras, dwarf gouramis or peaceful bottom dwellers such as Corydoras; avoid large, aggressive fish.
• Omnivorous diet: Offer quality flakes or small pellets, with occasional daphnia, brine shrimp or bloodworms.
• Daily feeding: Feed small portions 1–2 times a day and remove leftovers to help keep aquarium water clean.
• Livebearer behaviour: Females can give birth to multiple fry; plants or a nursery net provide hiding places, and finely ground food or newly hatched brine shrimp can feed young fry.

For a better chance of fry surviving, separate adults from newborns or provide plenty of cover. Enjoy watching this colourful platy explore a planted community tank during your daily aquarium routine.