Tuxedo Neon Comet Platy 3.5cm
The greatest thing with fish like Platies is that there always seems to be a new colour variation coming out. This is simply because they are so easy to breed and aquarists can easily experiment with colour genetics and produce new and wild colour strains never seen before. It’s almost exciting to see what new colour strain is available and one of the newest entries is the tuxedo neon comet platy.
Tuxedo Neon Comet Platy
The greatest thing with fish like Platies is that there always seems to be a new colour variation coming out. This is simply because they are so easy to breed and aquarists can easily experiment with colour genetics and produce new and wild colour strains never seen before. It’s almost exciting to see what new colour strain is available and one of the newest entries is the tuxedo neon comet platy.
These tuxedo neon comet Platies are a new take on the beloved tuxedo strain. This name comes from the wide, black streak that runs across these fish which gives a loose resemblance to the fish wearing a black tuxedo. Yes, some imagination is required here but that just makes it more fun! The neon part of the name comes from the stellar neon blue colouration that wraps the fish from head to tail really giving a contrasting and extra-terrestrial look. Unlike other livebearers like guppies where the males tend to be far more colourful than females, Platies share their fantastic colour with 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 (3 inches) 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 to breed because it’s bound to happen. Males can be distinguished by their gonopodium which is like a pointed ventral fin. The wild habitat of the natural guppy is widespread from Central America to Mexico.
Tank Recommendations for your Tuxedo Neon Comet Platy
Being a very small and easy to care for fish the tuxedo neon comment platy can be kept in nano aquariums with the minimum being a 57-liter 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 the 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 tuxedo neon blue 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 needs 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 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 betta's end.
Rarely Compatible
Large and aggressive species would prey on the guppies such as Oscars, or jaguar cichlids.
Feeding your Tuxedo Neon Comet Platy
The tuxedo neon comet 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 their top dwelling behavior
Scientific Name | Xiphophorus maculatus |
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Care Level | Easy |
Common Names | Tuxedo Neon Comet Platy, Tuxedo Neon Platy |
Diet | Omnivore |
Fish Family | Poeciliidae |
Lifespan (years) | 4 |
Max. Length (cm) | 6 |
Min. Tank Volume (l) | 75 Liters |
Origin | North America |
Reef Safe | Yes |
Sociability | Peaceful |
Venomous | No |
Water Conditions | 24-26° C, pH 7.0-8.0 |