Xiphophorus maculatus (Günther, 1866)
Southern platyfish
Southern platyfish,  Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
photo by Ramani Shirantha

Family:  Poeciliidae (Poeciliids), subfamily: Poeciliinae
Max. size:  4 cm TL (male/unsexed); 6 cm TL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7 - 8; dH range: 9 - 19, non-migratory
Distribution:  North and Central America: Ciudad Veracruz, Mexico to northern Belize. At least one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10. Distinct line of black pigment midventrally on caudal peduncle absent. Greatest body depth about 2 times in SL. Ventral rays of caudal fin of males not elongated into a sword. Male gonopodium falling short of caudal fin base, without a membranous protuberance, third ray with a strong hook (Ref. 30499).
Biology:  Adults occur in warm springs, canals and ditches with typically slow-moving water, silt bottoms and weedy banks (Refs. 5723; 44091, 44894). Also inhabit creeks and swamps (Ref. 44894). Feed on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter (Refs. 7020; 44091). Used for genetic research (Ref. 4537). Several color varieties are popular aquarium fishes, where they attain sexual maturity after 3-4 months and reproduce easily (Ref. 1672). Aquarium keeping: minimum aquarium size 60 cm (Ref. 51539).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 03 April 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans: 
Country info:  Known from Wadi Hanifah near Riyadh; Al- Kharj and Layla Lake south of Riyadh; Al-Ahsa Oasis in eastern province. Valuable in aquarium trade in the ornamental fish industry (Ref. 129076).


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