Bumblebee Platy

The Bumblebee Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a highly popular, vibrant freshwater fish prized for its striking yellow-and-black coloration and beginner-friendly nature. Native to Central America, these hardy livebearers make an excellent addition to peaceful community aquariums.

Care Overview & Water Parameters

Parameter	Recommended Level / Range
Minimum Tank Size	10 to 15 gallons (40 liters)
Water Temperature	72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C)
Water pH	7.0 to 8.0 (Prefers slightly basic/alkaline water)
Water Hardness (GH)	8 to 25 dGH (Prefers hard water)
Adult Size	2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm)
Lifespan	3 to 5 years

Diet & Behavior

Diet: Bumblebee Platies are omnivores. They easily thrive on a varied diet of high-quality tropical flakes or pellets, supplemented with frozen or live treats like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
Social Behavior: They are incredibly peaceful, active, and social. They should be kept in groups of at least 3 to 6. 3]
Tank Mates: Ideal tank mates include other peaceful community species such as Tetras, Corydoras catfish, Guppies, Danios, and peaceful ornamental shrimp or snails.

Breeding Notes

Like all platies, Bumblebee Platies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming, live young rather than laying eggs. They breed very easily in captivity. If you keep males and females together, maintain a ratio of two or three females for every one male to prevent the males from exhausting the females with constant courtship. Providing plenty of live plants (like Guppy Grass or Java Moss) gives the newborn fry a place to hide and survive.