Variatus platy care guide
Also called: Variable platyfish, Variegated platy, Variatus, Sunset platy, Marigold platy, Hi-fin variatus platy
The variatus platy is a slightly longer, slimmer platy from Mexico, sold in sunset, marigold and hi-fin forms. It is peaceful, very hardy and happy in cooler water, so it often does well without a heater in a home that stays above 18 °C (64 °F).
Variatus platies need a tank of at least 15 gallons (57 L), a group of 3 or more, and water at 18–25°C (64–77°F) with a pH of 7–8. They grow to about 6 cm (2.4 in) and are peaceful.
Plan a tank with variatus platiesSee all tank mates
Variatus platy quick facts
| Scientific name | Xiphophorus variatus |
|---|---|
| Family | Poeciliidae |
| Origin | Atlantic slope of northeastern Mexico, from southern Tamaulipas to northern Veracruz (aquarium fish are captive-bred) |
| Adult size | 6 cm (2.4 in) |
| Minimum tank | 15 gallons (57 L), at least 60 cm (24 in) long |
| Temperature | 18–25°C (64–77°F) |
| pH | 7–8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 10–25 dGH |
| Group size | 3 or more (harem (one male, several females)) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Middle |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Care level | Easy |
| Lifespan | 2–4 years |
| Safe with shrimp? | Mostly (eats baby shrimp) |
| Safe with plants? | Yes |
- Cold-water species: no heater needed in most homes.
Tank setup
A 15 gallon (57 L) tank at least 24 in (60 cm) long suits a small group; 20 gallons (76 L) or more is better once fry arrive. Variatus are a little more active than common platies, so leave open swimming space. Plants and floating cover give females and fry a break from the males.
How many variatus platies in a tank?
The smallest common tank that suits variatus platies is a 15 gallon. Here is roughly how many fit in each size when they are the only fish, based on adult size and waste output. Leave room if you want tank mates.
| Tank | Variatus platies (alone) |
|---|---|
| 3 gallon | Too small |
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 15 gallon | 3–11 |
| 20 gallon | 3–14 |
| 20 gallon long | 3–14 |
| 29 gallon | 3–21 |
| 40 gallon | 3–29 |
| 55 gallon | 3–40 |
| 75 gallon | 3–55 |
| 125 gallon | 3–92 |
What you need for variatus platies
Sized for a 15 gallon tank, the smallest common size that suits a group of 3 variatus platies. For a different tank or a mix of fish, use the stocking calculator for a list sized to your plan.
Tank and equipment
- 15 gallon aquarium (tank or kit) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Bigger tanks are more stable and easier for beginners. How to choose
- Hang-on-back filter rated 60–90 GPH (opens Amazon in a new tab)Community tank: 4–6 times the tank volume per hour. How to choose
- About 35 lb of aquarium gravel (opens Amazon in a new tab)Enough for a layer about 2 in (5 cm) deep. Smooth gravel suits most community fish. How to choose
- Water conditioner (dechlorinator) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Removes chlorine and chloramine from tap water. Seachem Prime is a popular, concentrated choice. How to choose
- Liquid test kit (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Liquid kits are more accurate than strips. The API Freshwater Master Test Kit is the common choice. How to choose
- Gravel vacuum (siphon) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Cleans the gravel and does the water change in one go. How to choose
- LED aquarium light, about 24 in long (opens Amazon in a new tab)Match the light to the tank length. Basic LEDs grow easy plants. How to choose
Food and extras for variatus platies
- Tropical fish pellets (opens Amazon in a new tab)A good staple for medium community fish.
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Water parameters
Keep them at 18–25 °C (64–77 °F), pH 7.0–8.0 and moderately hard to hard water of about 10–25 dGH. They cope with cooler water better than most livebearers, and the cooler end of the range slows breeding and may lengthen life. In warm summer weather they can live in an outdoor tub or mini pond.
Best tank mates for variatus platies
These popular species share variatus platies' water needs and temperament. See the full list of 63 good matches.
Cherry shrimp
3 cm (1.2 in) · 20–27°C (68–81°F)
Nerite snail
2.5 cm (1 in) · 22–27°C (72–81°F)
Guppy
5 cm (2 in) · 22–27°C (72–81°F)
Neon tetra
3.5 cm (1.4 in) · 21–25°C (70–77°F)
Panda corydoras
4.5 cm (1.8 in) · 21–25°C (70–77°F)
Bristlenose pleco
12 cm (4.7 in) · 22–26°C (72–79°F)
Bronze corydoras
7 cm (2.8 in) · 21–26°C (70–79°F)
Fancy goldfish
15 cm (5.9 in) · 18–23°C (64–73°F)
Avoid keeping variatus platies with
- Oscar: Oscar can eat variatus platies: they're small enough to fit in its mouth once it's grown.
- Boesemani rainbowfish: They need different temperatures: Variatus platy 18–25°C (64–77°F), boesemani rainbowfish 26–29°C (79–84°F).
- Chinese algae eater: Chinese algae eater is aggressive and will bully or injure peaceful variatus platies.
- Convict cichlid: Convict cichlid is aggressive and will bully or injure peaceful variatus platies.
- Discus: They need different temperatures: Variatus platy 18–25°C (64–77°F), discus 28–30°C (82–86°F).
- Electric yellow cichlid: Electric yellow cichlid is a Lake Malawi cichlid. It needs a Lake Malawi tank: hard, alkaline water (pH 7.5–8.5), plenty of rockwork and other cichlids from the same lake. Variatus platies don't belong in that setup.
Feeding
An easy omnivore. Feed quality flake or small pellets, plus frozen daphnia, mosquito larvae or brine shrimp. Add vegetable flake or algae wafers too, because variatus graze algae and biofilm through the day.
Behavior
Peaceful and hardy, variatus fit well with other calm fish that like similar water, such as other livebearers, white cloud mountain minnows, danios and peppered corydoras. Males court females persistently, so keep at least two females per male. They stay out of trouble with other species.
Breeding
Breeding is easy. Gestation takes about 4–7 weeks, and a large female may have 20–100 or more fry. Cooler water slows breeding. Adults eat fry, so give plenty of plant cover or move a heavily pregnant female to a separate tank. Variatus interbreed with common platies and swordtails.
Tips from experienced keepers
- A good fish for a room-temperature tank, but add a heater if the room regularly drops below about 18 °C (64 °F).
- Keep at least two females for each male so the females get some peace.
- Pair them with other cool-tolerant fish rather than warm-water species like discus or rams.
- If you want to keep a pure line, don't house them with common platies or swordtails.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a variatus platy and a regular platy?
The variatus is a separate species. It is a bit longer and slimmer, handles cooler water better and comes in its own colors, such as sunset and marigold. Care is otherwise very similar.
Do variatus platies need a heater?
Often not. They are comfortable at 18–25 °C (64–77 °F), so many do fine unheated in a heated home. Use a heater if the tank regularly falls below that range.
How many variatus platies should be kept together?
Start with at least three, ideally one male with two or more females. A larger group spreads out the males' attention and is more fun to watch.
Sources
We checked these references when writing this page. Values are for healthy long-term keeping, not survival limits. Last reviewed 2026-10-13. See our editorial policy.