Tuxedo Platy
Description
of the Tuxedo Platy
The Tuxedo Platy is also known as the Moonfish and is a very
popular choice for the freshwater tropical aquarium. The Platy
has been bred in a variety of colors including Orange, Red,
Black and a mixture of colors. The Tuxedo Platy is
predominately orange with black markings of the side of its
body. They are a very hardy fish and an ideal choice for the
beginner; these fish are prolific breeders!
Profile of
the Tuxedo Platy
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Tuxedo Platy species.
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Size: Up to 6cm
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Fish Tank
conditions:
PH: 7.0 to 8.0. Temp: 18 to 25 Degrees
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Diet / Feeding:
Dried, Flaked or Frozen Food
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Temperament:
Peaceful, Good Community Fish
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Habitat: Creeks,
Swamps, Canals and Ditches
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Behaviour:
Prolific Breeders!
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Range: Central
and North America
Scientific
Classification of the Tuxedo Platy
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
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Species:
Xiphophorus maculatus
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Popular Name:
Tuxedo Platy
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Kingdom:
Animalia
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Phylum: Chordata
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Class:
Actinopterygii
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Order:
Cyprinodontiformes
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Family: Poeciliidae
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Tuxedo Platy?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist!
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Tuxedo Platy slimy?
Tuxedo Platy secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin.
This slime provides protection against parasites and infections
and helps the Tuxedo Platy to move through
the water faster. Some fish species also release
toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish
species use their slime to feed their young.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Tuxedo Platy have gills?
Gills enable the Tuxedo Platy to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Tuxedo Platy have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are
used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different
fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish
species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish
are designed to perform a specific function:
-
Dorsal fins - The
dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Tuxedo Platy
has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.
-
Ventral fins. The
ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The
Tuxedo Platy
has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.
-
Caudal fins. The
Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Tuxedo Platy
has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
-
Pectoral fins. The
Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The
Tuxedo Platy
has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to
side movement
Interesting Facts and Information about
Tuxedo Platy
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