Variatus Platy (Xiphophorus variatus), also known as the Variable Platyfish, is a peaceful, hardy, and colorful freshwater fish native to Central America, particularly southern Mexico. At 3 cm, your fish is still juvenile, as adults typically reach up to 6–7 cm in length

 Key Characteristics

• Size: Up to 7 cm (2.8 inches)
• Temperament: Peaceful, ideal for community tanks
• Tank Level: Middle swimmer
• Shoaling: Yes; best kept in groups with a 2:1 female-to-male ratio
• Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F); prefers cooler, subtropical conditions
• pH: 7.0–8.5
• Hardness: 7–30 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 40 liters (~10 gallons) for a small group

Diet

• Type: Omnivore
• Staple: High-quality flakes or pellets
• Supplements: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, spirulina flakes, blanched vegetables (spinach, peas, zucchini)
• Feeding Frequency: Twice daily in small portions

 Tank Setup

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand
• Plants: Java Moss, Vallisneria, Amazon Sword, Anubias, Dwarf Hygro
• Lighting: Moderate
• Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow
• Decor: Provide hiding spots to reduce stress and support fry survival

Breeding

• Type: Livebearer (pseudo-livebearer)
• Gestation: ~30 days
• Fry Count: 20–100 per brood
• Sperm Storage: Females can store sperm for multiple broods
• Protection: Use dense plants or breeding boxes to safeguard fry

 Suitable Tankmates

• Guppies, Swordtails, Corydoras, Tetras, Rasboras, Honey Gouramis
• Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species