Green Lantern Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) – Bred by Aquatic Arts

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The Green Lantern Platy is a striking, tank-bred variety of the Southern Platyfish. With its vivid green iridescence contrasted against dark black fins and body markings, this hardy livebearer is a showpiece for any freshwater aquarium. We are proud to offer specimens bred in-house at Aquatic Arts, ensuring vibrant health and sustainable practices.

What We Love About This Fish:

• Brilliant green sheen and bold black fins that catch the eye.
• Peaceful and active schooling fish that thrives in community aquariums.
• Hardy and adaptable—perfect for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike.
• Livebearer species that can reproduce readily in the home aquarium.

Natural Habitat:

The original Southern Platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) is native to slow-moving rivers, streams, and warm ditches in Central America, particularly Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. This Green Lantern variety was developed through selective breeding in captivity to highlight its striking coloration.

Aquascaping:

• Plants: Works beautifully in planted tanks with Java Fern, Anubias, Hornwort, and floating plants such as Frogbit or Duckweed.
• Hardscape: Complements natural décor like river rocks, slate, and driftwood.
• Botanicals: Indian Almond Leaves or alder cones can provide tannins and natural enrichment.

Diet and Feeding:

Green Lantern Platies are omnivores that will accept a wide variety of foods. Offer a high-quality flake or pellet base, supplemented with live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms. They will also graze on algae and biofilm.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

This platy is peaceful and well-suited to community tanks. Ideal companions include guppies, mollies, swordtails, tetras, rasboras, corydoras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids. Avoid housing with large or aggressive fish.

Shrimp Compatibility:

Generally peaceful with shrimp. Adult shrimp are usually left alone, but very small shrimp fry may be consumed. Providing hiding spots with moss and plants will help protect young shrimp.

Breeding:

Like other platies, the Green Lantern is a prolific livebearer. Males and females can be easily distinguished by the male’s gonopodium (modified anal fin). Females may give birth to 20–40 fry every 4–6 weeks. Fry grow quickly when provided with hiding spots and finely powdered foods.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

• Temperature: 70°–82° F (21°–28° C)
• pH: 7.0–8.2
• KH: 10–25 dKH
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: Omnivorous; accepts flakes, pellets, live, and frozen foods.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful, schooling; best kept in groups of 4 or more.
• Origin: Bred by Aquatic Arts.
• Average Adult Size: 2–2.5 inches (5–6.3 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm)

Live Arrival Guarantee:
All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support!