New Variatus

[Spader]

Well I went to pet supllies *plus* to get a chinese algae eater, but they were out. I looked once aggain at the molly fry and swordtail fry in the nets, wishing i would get some. then i see a new fish. It is labled Variatus. Looking at the scientific name I knew it could breed with swordtails and platys. they look kinda like guppies, ill post some pics soon, and they were smaller and more colorful. So i got a male and female, as i already have 3 females and 1 male at home, so the ratio is 2:4, which is ok, but im getting another female so its better. i did some research and its a rarer form of platy Xiphophorus maculatus , it is Xiphophorus variatus. So take a look!

Male

Female. shes hiding

the male goes around the tank slowly, staying to the mid-lower area. the female is still hidiing though. i just released them after acclimating them about 10 minutes ago

 

[Annastasia]

Ah, Variatus. My favorite little dudes.

They're actually not that rare anymore, most places carry them, even if they're just mixed in unsuspectingly with normal Platies. A lot of them have hybridized with Maculatus though, so who knows if any are pure anymore.

Your's look nice! I have 3 fry growing up that are heading towards that coloration.

 

[Morquinn]

I see those all the time... I always just thought they were platies that didnt have an actual name, and were pretty much an assortment, like variatus... kind of like variety LOL... thats what I figured anyways, but I guess I never really knew. They all just seemed like different colors, nothing specific.

 

[Spader]

well the first one was stuck ont he filter today and is now dying in the hospital tank

 

[Morquinn]

Awww, that stinks, does your LFS have a return policy? Maybe you can get a refund or another fish.

 

[Bloo]

They are lovely but are you very sure you want a Chinese Algae Eater Why not just go for a bristlenose or some Otos if it's algae you want eaten. Instead of growing an aggressive territorial monster fish?

 

[Spader]

lol yes, i changed my mind actually yesterday while doing research. i went out today to get some otos froma better fish store but they were sold out. they'll be there next tuesday, and im getting 3