Laboratory observations of gravid females indicate that males of Xiphophorus maculatus may mate with more than one female and females mate with more than one male. In most cases, the courtship behavior begins almost immediately or as soon as the male is …

The southern platyfish, common platy, or moonfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a species of freshwater fish in family Poeciliidae of order Cyprinodontiformes. A live-bearer , it is closely related to the green swordtail ( X. hellerii ) and can interbreed with it.

Males also possess a modified anal fin, referred to as a gonopodium. Female Platies, on the other hand, develop faster and are relatively larger than their male counterparts. In addition, they have a more subdued colouration and fan-shaped fins.

The two species most commonly available in fish stores are Xiphophorus maculatus (southern platyfish) and Xiphophorus variatus (variable or variatus platy). They can crossbreed with each other and with swordtail species, which has resulted in many different color variations.

Crossing a male Xiphophorus variatus to a female Xiphophorus maculatus, the offspring will have the body shape of the Xiphophorus maculatus (illustration below). This means that the female has got the dominant body shape genes.

Jun 18, 2019 · If you have a male and a female, chances are they will breed. The parents must be separated from the young after birth. For more information on breeding them, please read the breeding livebearers article.

Dec 29, 2021 · Xiphophorus maculatus (southern platyfish) and Xiphophorus variatus are the two most common species found in fish markets. They are capable of interbreeding with one another and with swordtail species, resulting in a wide variety of colour variations.

These livebearing fish breed readily - to reduce harassment keep several females to each male. Wild stocks can be found in many parts of Central America living in warm springs, canals and ditches with slow moving water and abundant plant growth.

These little fish come from the east coast of Central America and Southern Mexico. Females have a fan-shaped anal fin, wide bellies, a dark gravid spot, and are larger than the males. Males have a modified, rod-like anal fin, called a gonopodium. Platies are one of the easiest fish to breed.

Males can be a little aggressive towards females, and in order to avoid over-stressing them it is a good idea to have 2-3 females for each male, and/or ample hiding places to allow the females some respite from the male's attentions.