Gold Wagtail Platy 4cm

Gold Wagtail Platy

One of the most striking and beloved colour strains of platy, the Gold Wagtail Platy is a true classic that continues to stand out in any community aquarium. These fish are a great example of how selective breeding can result in bold and vibrant combinations that transform a simple livebearer into a centrepiece nano fish. Their peaceful nature, hardiness, and vibrant coloration make them an ideal choice for aquarists of all skill levels.

The Gold Wagtail Platy sports a gleaming golden yellow body that runs from nose to tail, overlaid with a satin-like shimmer that reflects beautifully under aquarium lighting. What really sets them apart, though, is the solid black coloration that marks the tail and fins; this signature 'wagtail' pattern gives them an incredibly bold contrast and a very polished, finished look. One of the standout features of platies in general is that both males and females display vivid colouration, making them ideal for vibrant display tanks. A school of Gold Wagtail Platies moving across a planted aquascape offers a living burst of sunlight and shadow.

Growing up to around 6-7 cm in length, these platies are perfectly suited to nano tanks or peaceful community setups. They're also one of the easiest fish to breed, with females frequently giving birth to live fry in the home aquarium. No special steps are required- just add water and wait. Males can be identified by their gonopodium, a modified fin used during breeding. These fish are native to Central America and have long been a staple of the aquarium hobby.

Tank Recommendations for your Gold Wagtail Platy

Being a very small and easy to care for fish, the golden wagtail platy can be kept in nano aquariums with a minimum being a 57-litre aquarium. 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 blue colour will really pop. Platies, however, are in fact considered to be a '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 golden wagtail 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 a fish that needs a higher PH, so keeping them with South American tetras may not be very suitable as these lower PH.

Usually Compatible

Pseudomogil species such as fork-tail rainbows, blue eyes, ricefish, and nano aquarium fish, which 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 Golden Wagtail Platy

The golden wagtail 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 a floating nano pellet or flake due to their top-dwelling behaviour.