Malibu Hi-Fin Sunset Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) – Locally Bred

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With its dramatic sail-like dorsal fin and radiant sunset coloration, the Malibu Hi-Fin Sunset Platy is a breathtaking addition to the peaceful community aquarium. This variety features bold shades of orange and yellow with subtle gradient transitions, mimicking a golden sunset on the ocean horizon. Bred locally by experienced aquarists, these livebearers are a hardy, beginner-friendly species that thrive in a planted tank environment and bring effortless beauty and motion to your aquascape.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Unique Finage: Extra-long dorsal fin with graceful, flowing movement.
• Striking Sunset Colors: Vibrant orange and yellow hues with natural gradient patterns.
• Great for Communities: Peaceful, social, and compatible with other peaceful species.
• Locally Bred: Raised with care by expert hobbyists in the United States.

Natural Habitat:

Originally native to Central America, wild platies inhabit slow-moving rivers, warm springs, and densely vegetated streams. They prefer shallow waters with plenty of plant life for cover and grazing.

Aquascaping:

• Plants: Ideal tankmates include Water Sprite, Hornwort, Java Fern, and Floating Plants like Frogbit or Duckweed.
• Hardscape: Use smooth river stones and driftwood for a natural look.
• Botanicals: Consider Indian Almond Leaves or Alder Cones to encourage natural grazing and create tannin-rich microhabitats.

We recommend our Botanical Combo Pack, which has a great assortment of popular botanicals.

Diet and Feeding:

Platies are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet. Offer high-quality flake or micro pellet food, blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach, and occasional live or frozen treats such as daphnia or baby brine shrimp.
We recommend Ultra Royal Guppy Mignon Pellets – Shrimp Delight Formula, a protein-rich, color-enhancing food made with real shrimp and natural ingredients. This small pellet is ideal for platies and other livebearers, promoting vibrant color, strong growth, and long-term vitality.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

This species is peaceful and thrives in groups. Great tankmates include guppies, mollies, swordtails, Corydoras catfish, small tetras, and dwarf shrimp. Avoid fin-nipping or overly aggressive fish.

Shrimp Safe:

Safe with adult shrimp. Fry may be at risk, so provide dense plant cover if keeping shrimp colonies.

Breeding:

Livebearer species. A 1:2 male-to-female ratio is ideal. Provide hiding spots for fry among plants or spawning mops.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 70° - 80° F (21° - 27° C)
• pH: 7.0 – 8.2
• KH: 8 – 20
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous; feed a variety of high-quality flakes, frozen, and plant matter.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful; best kept in groups.
• Origin: Locally bred in the United States.
• Average Adult Size: 1.5 – 2.5 inches (3.8 – 6.4 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 1 – 1.5 inches (2.5 – 3.8 cm)

Add a Splash of Coastal Sunset to Your Aquarium!

The Malibu Hi-Fin Sunset Platy brings both visual drama and easy care to any freshwater aquarium. Whether you're a new hobbyist or a seasoned aquarist, this unique, sail-finned beauty is a showpiece worth adding.

Live Arrival Guarantee:

All Aquatic Arts brand animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support from our team of aquatic experts!