Swordtail-Platy Hybrid
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Crossbreeding results in many color variations. Aaron Norman
Overview
When swordtails and platies are housed in the same tank, hybrid fry will almost inevitably be the result. Most breeders prefer to maintain pure strains, but some use crossbreeding to develop new color forms and body configurations.
Family: Poeciliidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Needs a long, rather than tall, aquarium, with plants restricted to the sides and back, and plenty of room to swim in the center.
Maximum length: 11.5 cm (5 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 114 L (30 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (72 °F) - 26 °C (79 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to top.
Feeding
Omnivore. In the wild, plant material and insects form the major portion of their diets. In the aquarium, they will consume a wide variety of foods, such as good-quality flakes, freeze-dried, frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and mysid shrimp. To round out their diets, also offer algae-based foods, such as Spirulina flakes.
Aquarium Compatibility
Males are apt to bully one another, so keep only one male to several females. Sometimes they may even be a little aggressive toward other species, although they can be housed with a variety of generally peaceful, community tank fishes.
Breeding/Propagation
Classic livebearer. Will crossbreed with pure platies and swordtails, so it is best not to keep them in the same aquarium unless you want more hybridization to occur.
Notes
Good jumpers, so a tight-fitting cover is a must.