Mickey Mouse Platy

Overview

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus
• Common Name: Mickey Mouse Platy, Moonfish
• Family: Poeciliidae
• Origin: Central America (Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala)

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Grows to about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm).
• Coloration: Mickey Mouse Platies come in various colors, including:
  • Yellow
  • Orange
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Black
  • Calico (multiple color patterns)
  • The signature black "Mickey Mouse" pattern on the tail.
• Body Shape: Like other platies, they have a compact, rounded body with short fins.

Mickey Mouse Pattern

• The "Mickey Mouse" pattern consists of a large black spot at the base of the tail (representing Mickey's head) and two smaller black spots above it (representing the ears). This unique feature makes the fish highly recognizable and a favorite among aquarium hobbyists.

Behavior

• Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive, they are well-suited for community tanks.
• Activity Level: Active swimmers, often occupying the middle and upper levels of the tank.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons for a small group of Mickey Mouse Platies. A 20-gallon tank is recommended if you plan to keep multiple fish or mixed species.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C)
  • pH Level: 7.0 to 8.0 (slightly alkaline)
  • Water Hardness: Moderately hard to hard (10 to 28 dGH)
• Substrate: They aren’t picky about substrate, but fine gravel or sand works well.
• Filtration: Standard filtration is fine, but ensure good water quality with regular water changes.

Diet

• Feeding: Mickey Mouse Platies are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet:
  • High-quality flake or pellet food
  • Frozen or live foods (such as daphnia, brine shrimp, or bloodworms)
  • Fresh vegetables (like blanched spinach or zucchini)
  • Occasional algae-based food or spirulina
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them small amounts once or twice daily, enough for them to consume within a few minutes.

Breeding

• Livebearers: Mickey Mouse Platies are livebearers, which means they give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs.
• Breeding: They are prolific breeders, and females can store sperm, resulting in multiple broods even after separation from males.
• Gestation Period: Around 28 to 30 days.
• Fry Care: It’s best to place pregnant females in a breeding tank or provide lots of hiding spots, as adult fish may eat the fry.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Mickey Mouse Platies are peaceful and can live with other calm species, such as:
  • Tetras
  • Corydoras
  • Guppies
  • Mollies
  • Swordtails
  • Small barbs
  • Gouramis
• Behavior with Other Fish: They get along well with most community fish but may become territorial if the tank is overcrowded.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: Mickey Mouse Platies typically live for 3 to 5 years with proper care.

Health and Disease

• Hardiness: They are hardy fish but are susceptible to common freshwater diseases like ich or fin rot, especially if water conditions deteriorate.
• Prevention: Maintaining stable water parameters, performing regular water changes, and feeding a balanced diet can help keep them healthy.