Red Wag Platy

Looks how to spot one

Scales

The Red Wag Platy has a vibrant reddish-orange body with black dorsal and caudal fins. It is a livebearer, with males having a modified anal fin called a gonopodium. Females are larger and rounder than males.16

Personality what they are like

Red Wag Platies are very peaceful and sociable fish. They do well in community tanks and rarely show aggression. Males can be persistent in courting females, so it is best to keep more females than males. They are active swimmers and enjoy being in groups.26

Daily activity how busy a day looks

They are active swimmers that occupy the middle and upper parts of the aquarium. They appreciate a well-planted tank with open swimming areas. A secure lid is recommended as they can jump, especially when acclimating.36

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low maintenance. They need a biologically mature aquarium of at least 10 gallons for a small group. Water should be moderately hard to hard, with a pH of 7.0-8.5 and temperature between 18-28°C. Regular water changes and good filtration are important. They are not sensitive to most water conditions but do not thrive in soft, acidic water.12

Home where they are happiest

Native to slow-moving rivers, streams and ponds in Central America. In the aquarium, they prefer a planted tank with moderate to hard water, a temperature of 18-28°C, and a pH of 7.0-8.2. They do not need a strong current. A group of at least 10 is recommended for social well-being.26

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous and unfussy. They accept high-quality flake foods, sinking micro pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. They also nibble on algae and enjoy soft vegetables like zucchini or pumpkin.56

Company who they like around

Very social and peaceful. They should be kept in groups of at least 10, with more females than males to reduce harassment. They are compatible with most peaceful community fish, but caution is advised with mollies and swordtails. They are not aggressive and can be kept with other peaceful species.26

The story where it all began

The Red Wag Platy is a selectively bred colour variety of the southern platy (Xiphophorus maculatus). Unlike the plain wild-type, which is duller in colour, the Red Wag has been bred for its bright red-orange body and black dorsal and caudal fins. This variety is one of many ornamental strains developed through decades of selective breeding in the aquarium trade. It is not found in the wild; it exists only in aquariums. The species itself is native to the Atlantic coastal plain of Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Belize, where it lives in warm, slow-moving freshwater.12

Recognised by the official bits

LiveAquaria

Red Wag Platy is easy to care for, great for beginners, and adds colour and personality to the aquarium.5

Aquatic Arts

Classic platy variety with red-orange and black coloration, peaceful and undemanding.3