Goliad Farms, LP - Xiphophorus 'Marigold Mickey Mouse Hifin Platy'

Goliad Farms, LP

8497 FM 622
Goliad, Texas 77963

Voice 361.645.2252
Fax 361.645.2258
Email goliadfish@goliadfarms.com

Contents

Fish

Platy
Maculatus

Variatus

Marigold Mickey Mouse Hifin Maculatus

The Marigold Mickey Mouse Hifin Maculatus is a North American livebearer related to and in the same genus, Xiphophorus, as the swordtails. ( Click here for a general discussion of the genus Xiphophorus.) ( Click here for a general discussion of platies.) Most commercial strains of platies have mixed heritage, including ancestors from X. helleri, X. maculatus and X. variatus. This fish is largely descended from X. maculatus. The photo is of a young male. We developed this strain by crossing Red Hifin Maculatus with our Marigold Mickey Mouse Maculatus and selecting for both the hifin and the proper color pattern.

Size: Males often reach 4cm (1.5 in.). Females are somewhat larger and much heavier.

Description: Both sexes have the typical coloration of a marigold platy, a clear yellow-gold body darkening to a yellow-red in the caudal peduncle and caudal (tail). Additionally, both sexes sport the "Mickey Mouse" pattern of a large black spot in the caudal peduncle (the head of the mouse) and two smaller spots, one each at top and bottom of the base of the caudal fin (the ears). Both sexes sport a hifin (elongated) dorsal, but the male's tends to be larger.

Environment: This fish tolerates pHs from 6.5 to 8.0 while preferring the higher end (basic) of this range. Water hardness is not critical, but it prefers hard water. Optimum temperature ranges from 20-30°C (68-85°F).

Geographic Range: This fish has no natural range, but of its ancestors hail from Mexican and Central America.

Temperament: This fish is not aggressive and is active. It can be kept either in a single species aquarium or in active community aquaria with rainbowfish, other livebearers or other fish with similar behavior and requirements.

Feeding: Feeding is simple with the fish taking prepared foods as well as live and frozen foods. Periodic feedings of Daphnia or other live foods are helpful in color maintenance, general health and breeding.

Spawning: This livebearer breeds like other members of its genus. At 30°C (85°F), broods are delivered about every 28 days. Broods can be as large as 100 fry for mature females. Like other Poeciliidae, the females can store sperm and have as many as 8 broods from a single mating. The fry are large and can eat commercial food, Daphnia, brine shrimp nauplii, etc. immediately. Adults will eat fry, so they must have some protection such as dense fine-leafed plants to survive. Males are constantly courting and chasing the females, stopping only to spar with other males or eat.

Additional Information: For more information about this species, click on one of the following article names:

Additional Photos: For additional photos of this species, click on one of the following photo locations:

Page last modified June 4, 2007.