Different Colored Platies

[Lord Zogat]

My LFS stated they can order me what ever color of Platy I want and in any quantity.

I would like to stock my tank with 4 - 5 different colors then. Would they still get along, has there been any research where some colors do not like others.

Also would there be dyed platy and if so what colors are natural.

Another question, because the LFS knows exactly the day their order arrives. Am I better to take them right off the truck after inspecting them, rather than them dumping them into the LFS tank then fishing them out and going to mine?

Thanks

 

[dwarfgourami]

Don't think you need worry about dyed platies; they come in such a variety of colours (orange, yellow, pink, blueish, black, red, white) that there would be little point in adding to that. Unless the fish actually carries the legend Merry Christmas, I think you can feel pretty safe on that score.
Some of us have had problems with antagonism between very dark platies (blue or black) getting on with the orange, red or pink ones, but of course it is hard to know if this is really about colour or if there are other factors.
If you feel your lfs is a reasonably good one, I would let them quarantine the fish for a few days first, and let them settle down from their journey, before they are exposed to the added stress of settling into yet another tank. And if the shop is the type where you feel they are bound to pick up something nasty if exposed to their tanks- then I wouldn't buy from there at all. When you inspect the fish, check for any signs of damage to the fins (on the tankmates as well as the ones you choose), also for white stringy poo which can indicate contagious infections or parasites. A healthy platy who has been in the same tank for a few days should be bright and perky and should swim around happily or jostle for a position at the front of the tank when you walk by. Hiding away from his mates or sitting on the gravel is a bad sign.