Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

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Platies are one of the most common fish recommended for beginning hobbyists due to their hardiness and prolific breeding. There are many domesticated strains available displaying many beautiful colors. Perhaps their only drawback is that they are capable of overpopulating a tank due to their rapid reproductive rates. Males are smaller and slimmer than females, and possess the modified anal fin gonopodium used in passing sperm to the female. Females are capable of storing sperm and giving birth to live fry long after being separated from males.