Description
Species Overview
The Red Tiger Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) combines brilliant red-orange coloration with bold black tiger striping to create one of the most eye-catching freshwater livebearers available. Their active personalities, peaceful temperament, and exceptional hardiness have made platies a favorite among aquarists for generations, while the striking tiger pattern gives this variety a unique appearance that stands out in both planted aquariums and community tanks.
At Aquatic Arts, we proudly offer both our Tank-Bred and Locally Bred Red Tiger Platies. Both varieties display the same beautiful coloration, friendly disposition, and easy-care nature, making them excellent choices for hobbyists of every experience level. Our Locally Bred fish are raised domestically and arrive well acclimated to aquarium life, while our Tank-Bred specimens are carefully produced by professional breeders who focus on maintaining vibrant color and strong genetics.
Red Tiger Platies are constantly on the move, exploring every level of the aquarium while peacefully interacting with other community fish. Unlike many livebearers, they rarely exhibit excessive aggression and spend much of the day grazing on algae, biofilm, and prepared foods between short bursts of activity. Their confident personalities make them one of the first fish visitors notice in a community aquarium.
As livebearers, Red Tiger Platies are also fascinating to observe because they naturally reproduce in healthy aquariums. Given proper water quality, a varied diet, and plenty of plant cover, they may produce small broods of fully formed fry throughout the year, providing endless opportunities to observe one of nature’s most interesting reproductive strategies.
Whether you’re building your first freshwater aquarium or adding another splash of color to an established planted community, Red Tiger Platies offer exceptional beauty, peaceful behavior, and remarkable durability that have made them one of the most beloved freshwater fish in the hobby.
What We Love About This Fish
Brilliant red-orange body accented with bold black tiger striping
Available as both Tank-Bred and Locally Bred varieties
Peaceful, active community fish suitable for aquarists of all experience levels
Constantly exploring every level of the aquarium
Excellent choice for planted aquariums and community displays
Hardy, adaptable, and easy to care for
Livebearing species that may naturally reproduce in healthy aquariums
Quick Care Guide
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult Size: 2–2.5 Inches
Diet: Omnivore (Flakes, Pellets, Algae-Based Foods, Frozen Foods, Live Foods)
Minimum Tank Size: 15 Gallons
Swimming Zone: Middle to Upper
Group Size: 5 or More (Best maintained in groups where their active personalities and natural social behaviors are most apparent.)
Schooling: No — Red Tiger Platies are social livebearers rather than true schooling fish. They naturally gather in loose groups, interact frequently, and become more confident and active when kept with other peaceful platies or community fish.
Source:
Tank-Bred
Locally Bred
Average Purchase Size: 1–1.5 Inches
Recommended Water Parameters
Temperature: 72°–78°F (22°–26°C)
pH: 7.0–8.2
GH: 10–25 dGH
KH: 6–15 dKH
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Red Tiger Platies naturally prefer moderately hard to hard, slightly alkaline water with good mineral content. Stable water parameters, regular maintenance, and excellent filtration help maintain vibrant coloration, strong immune systems, and healthy breeding activity. Unlike many South American community fish, platies appreciate higher mineral content and do not require tannin-rich or soft-water environments.
