Bumblebee Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)
Add bold contrast and lively personality to your aquarium with the beautiful Bumblebee Platy. This eye-catching variety is admired for its striking combination of vibrant golden-yellow and deep black coloration, resembling the distinctive markings of a bumblebee. Hardy, peaceful, and full of energy, the Bumblebee Platy is an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists looking to add colour and movement to a community aquarium.
Their active swimming behaviour and friendly temperament make them a popular addition to planted and tropical freshwater setups.
🌿 Why Choose Bumblebee Platy?
🐝 Stunning black and golden-yellow colour pattern
🖤 Bold contrasting markings that stand out in any aquarium
🐠 Peaceful, active, and easy to care for
🌱 Perfect for planted and community aquariums
⭐ Hardy livebearer ideal for beginners and experienced fishkeepers alike
When kept in groups, Bumblebee Platies create a colourful, energetic display as they explore every level of the aquarium and interact with one another.
📏 Care Requirements
🧬 Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus
📛 Common Name: Bumblebee Platy
🏠 Tank Size: 40L+ recommended
📏 Adult Size: Up to 6cm
🌡️ Temperature: 20–26°C
⚗️ pH Range: 7.0–8.2
🧘 Temperament: Peaceful
🍽️ Diet: Flakes, pellets, vegetable matter, frozen foods, and live foods
👥 Group Size: 5+ recommended (more females than males if keeping mixed sexes)
Bumblebee Platies are highly adaptable and thrive in stable freshwater aquariums. They appreciate planted areas for shelter along with open swimming space and benefit from a varied diet that includes both protein and vegetable matter.
🐠 Compatibility
Perfect for peaceful community aquariums. They mix well with guppies, mollies, swordtails, Corydoras, rasboras, danios, tetras, and other non-aggressive tropical fish. They can also be kept with most freshwater shrimp, although newly hatched shrimplets may occasionally become a snack.
Important Notes
Bumblebee Platies are livebearers and breed readily in freshwater aquariums. If males and females are housed together, fry can be expected regularly. Dense planting, mosses, or floating plants provide valuable cover for young fish. Routine water changes and a balanced, varied diet will help maintain their vibrant colours and overall health.
The Bumblebee Platy is a fantastic choice for UK aquarists looking for a hardy, colourful, and easy-to-care-for tropical fish that combines striking black and yellow markings with an active, peaceful nature, making it a standout addition to any freshwater community aquarium.
