Goliad Farms, LP - Xiphophorus 'White Mickey Mouse Platy'

The White Mickey Mouse 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 top photograph is of a mature male. The bottom picture is a mature female showing off her gravid spot.

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

Description: Both sexes have pinkish-white bodies and often a splash of red at the base of the dorsal. 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).

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 December 1, 2004