Green Lantern Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

The Green Lantern Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a striking captive-bred color form with a glowing metallic green-blue body that catches the light as it swims. Like all platies, it is tough, peaceful, and constantly active, which makes it a standout choice for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike.

Fill out the aquarium with more of our freshwater livestock and live aquarium plants.

Care Guide

• Easy and adaptable. Platies tolerate a wide range of water conditions once the aquarium is cycled and stable, so they forgive the occasional beginner mistake.
• Tank size: A 10 to 20 gallon (or larger) tank gives a small group room to swim and show off their color.
• Water parameters: Temperature 70 to 82°F, pH 7.0 to 8.2. Platies do best in moderately hard, slightly alkaline water.
• Keep a group. They are sociable fish. A group looks more natural, and keeping two or three females per male helps spread out attention if you mix sexes.
• Feeding: Omnivores that enjoy greens. Use a quality flake or micro pellet and round it out with veggie or spirulina foods and the occasional frozen treat. Feed lightly once or twice a day.

Specifications

Compatibility

Green Lantern Platies are peaceful community fish that get along with nearly any calm tank mate. They pair especially well with other livebearers and small, gentle species. Try them with:

• Blue Wag Platy and other platy varieties
• Pineapple Swordtail
• Lyretail Mollies and fancy guppies
• Corydoras catfish, peaceful tetras, and rasboras

As livebearers, a mix of males and females will produce fry. Add floating plants if you would like some young to survive in a community setup.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Seachem NutriDiet Tropical Flakes as an everyday staple
• Hikari Vibra Bites to boost color and add variety
• Java Moss and Anubias for low-maintenance plant cover
• Frogbit for shade and fry hideaways

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Green Lantern Platy good for beginners?
Yes. Platies are among the easiest and most resilient aquarium fish, perfect for a first community tank or for adding color to an established one.

Will they breed?
If you keep both sexes, yes. Platies are prolific livebearers. Provide floating plants or dense cover if you want fry to survive in a community tank.

What is the best food for them?
A varied diet of flakes or pellets with some vegetable content keeps their metallic color vivid. They also nibble soft algae.

How many should I keep together?
A group of three or more is ideal. If you mix males and females, keep more females than males to reduce harassment.