Bumble Bee Platy 3.5cm

They also have a round, compact body which really adds to the aesthetic, but the range of other colours is truly stunning. Their patterning isn’t a flat yellow and black but actually has mixes of metallic greens and blues which just glow under the aquarium lighting. The first band tends to have more of the green highlights with some blue whereas the second band sports the bluest, this iridescence also bleeds through the black sections of the body. One additional point of contrast on these fish is their pearl white eye which stands out surprisingly well.

Unlike other livebearers such as guppies where the males tend to be far more colourful than females, platies share their fantastic colour in both males and females. Because of this, it makes them extremely desirable in a display-style aquarium. Platies are great because they only get to around 6-7 cm from head to tail. They are also super peaceful fish meaning they can be kept with other aquarium fish but also in large shoals of other coloured Platies making a phenomenal rainbow platy aquarium. Breeding them is also a breeze, there isn’t really much interference required to get these fish too breed because it’s bound to happen. Males can be distinguished by their gonopodium which is like a pointed ventral fin. They are however a great fish to experiment with and to see what colours arise from breeding different strains together.

Tank Recommendations for your Bumble Bee Platy
Being a very small and easy to care for fish the bumble bee platy can be kept in nano aquariums with the minimum being a 60 litre system. Platies would do perfectly fine in either a tall or long tank which makes them super versatile. A sand or gravel substrate would be fine for these fish as well as a lot of plant growth which not only makes them contrast really well but also makes for handy locations where fry can grow out. Another amazing tank option for these Platies specifically is a minimal scape aquarium with a dark black background where neon colours will pop. Platies however are considered to be hard water fish meaning they prefer the water to have an elevated PH and are not like a tetra. This higher PH of 7 - 8 can be achieved with a PH buffer or African cichlid lake conditioning salts.

Suitable Tank Buddies
The bumble bee platy is a very peaceful aquarium fish. They are great with a wide range of nano aquarium fish however because of their bright and flashy fins, certain fin-nipping species would be avoided. The other factor is that Platies are fish that need higher PH so keeping them with South American tetras may not be very suitable as these like lower PH.

Usually Compatible
Pseudomogil species such as fork-tail rainbows, blue eyes, ricefish, and nano aquarium fish can tolerate hard water conditions.

Sometimes Compatible
Medium-growing or possibly fin-nipping species. Bettas should also be avoided because of their similar flashy nature to platies which could lead to aggression from the bettas end.

Rarely Compatible
Large and aggressive species that would prey on the guppies such as oscars, or jaguar cichlids.

Feeding your Bumble Bee Platy
The bumble bee platy is very easy to feed once it is settled into the aquarium. It will readily eat a wide range of foods but would prefer to have high a floating nano pellet or flake due to its top-dwelling behavior. Using quality food with natural colour enhancers can boost the colour of this platy strain as well which is always a bonus!