5 replies to this topic

[Xavier]

what's the man difference between a Variegated Platy and a Xiphophorus maculatus

[omega59]

Variegated Platy can reach 3inches. they are much larger.

[Xavier]

that's it?

[OldMan47]

The biggest difference between a Xiphophorus maculatus and a Variatus platy is that one is a real species of fish and the other is a hybrid that has been created in an aquarium. I tend to stay away from things like platies and instead go for the real wild type fish. I really love all of my species tanks of goodeids, my Xiphophorus montezumae, the Heterandria formosa, the Xiphophorus helleri and the rest of my single species wild livebearer tanks. I sometimes give in and buy a decorative molly or platy but they are for decorating a community tank, not for a serious wild type fish breeder.

Edited by OldMan47, 25 August 2009 - 10:37 PM.

[dunchp]

The biggest difference between a Xiphophorus maculatus and a Variatus platy is that one is a real species of fish and the other is a hybrid that has been created in an aquarium.

Erm. Not sure that is completely true.



Wild maculatus from Belize.



Wild variatus from Mexico.

[OldMan47]

I will gladly concede that some fish marked as variatus really are. On the other hand, almost every aquarium strain platy that I see has a second label that says variatus. It may not be that way in the UK but it sure is here in the US.