The Bumble Bee Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a hardy, peaceful livebearer prized for its bold yellow body and inky black banding. Easygoing, beginner-friendly, and active in the middle and upper levels of the tank, this little fish is a perfect anchor for any community aquarium.
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Care Guide
- Tank Size:15 gallons minimum — 20+ gallons recommended for groups
- Temperature:70–80°F (21–27°C)
- pH:7.0–8.2
- GH:10–25 dGH (prefers harder, alkaline water)
- Feeding:Omnivore — quality flake, micro pellets, frozen brine shrimp/daphnia, occasional blanched veggies
- Temperament:Peaceful community fish — keep in groups of 5+, with more females than males
- Max Size:2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)
Specifications
| Common Name | Bumble Bee Platy |
| Scientific Name | Xiphophorus maculatus |
| Family | Poeciliidae |
| Origin | Captive bred (wild range: Mexico & Central America) |
| Care Level | Beginner |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Size at Purchase | Approximately 1–1.5 inches |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
Compatibility
Bumble Bee Platies are model community citizens — peaceful, sociable, and unfussy about who they share a tank with, as long as everyone enjoys similar water conditions.
Good tank mates:other platies (like our Red Wag Platy or Peppermint Platy), mollies, guppies, swordtails, peaceful tetras, corydoras catfish, otocinclus, and nerite snails.
Avoid:aggressive cichlids, large predators, and notorious fin-nippers like tiger barbs — platies have flowing tails that can become targets.
Recommended Foods & Supplies
- Tropical flake & micro pellets — daily staple diet
- Water conditioner — treat tap water for every water change
- Freshwater test kit — monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH
- Filter media — replace monthly for clean, stable water
- Live plants — provide cover for fry and natural hiding spots
FAQ
How many Bumble Bee Platies should I keep together?
Groups of 5 or more do best. Aim for 2–3 females per male to spread out male attention — lone females can be harassed.
Will they breed in my tank?
Almost certainly. Platies are livebearers and reproduce readily. Females drop 20–40 fry every 4–6 weeks. Add live plants or a breeder box if you want to save fry; otherwise the adults and other tank mates will eat most of them.
Are Bumble Bee Platies the same as Mickey Mouse Platies?
Both belong to the platy family (genusXiphophorus) and are largelyX. maculatus— just different color strains of the same species. Care is identical and they get along well together.
Do they need a heater?
Yes. While platies tolerate cooler water than many tropicals, a heater set to 74–78°F keeps them comfortable and active year-round.
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