Woodthorpe Hall Aquatics Sunset Platy (Xiphophorus Maculatus)

Platies (Xiphophorus maculatus and Xiphophorus variatus) are popular freshwater fish known for their vibrant colours, hardy nature, and peaceful demeanour. As members of the Poeciliidae family, they are livebearers, giving birth to live, free-swimming young rather than laying eggs. Their manageable size and easy-care requirements make them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Platies are social fish that thrive in groups. To minimize stress and encourage natural behaviours, keep at least five to six individuals together. A mix of males and females is ideal for observing their breeding behaviours, but single-gender groups are also suitable if breeding is not desired.

Compatibility

Platies are peaceful fish that thrive alongside other livebearers such as guppies, mollies, and swordtails, as well as small, non-aggressive species like Tetras, Rasboras, and Corydoras Catfish. It is important to avoid housing them with larger, aggressive fish like Cichlids and larger Barbs, which can bully or prey on them. To ensure their well-being, set up a tank of at least 45 litres for a small group. Maintain the water temperature between 70- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.0. Create a well-planted aquarium using both live and artificial plants to provide hiding spots and breeding areas, while also leaving open spaces for swimming. Use gentle filtration to keep the water clean without creating strong currents and perform regular water changes of 25 to 30 per cent weekly to maintain optimal water quality.

Diet

Platies are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet. In their natural habitat, they consume small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter. To replicate this in an aquarium, provide them with a high-quality flake or pellet food as their primary diet. Enhance their nutrition by supplementing with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Additionally, incorporate vegetable matter like blanched spinach, zucchini, and spirulina flakes into their diet. Feed platies small portions two to three times daily, ensuring they consume all the food within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain good water quality. This balanced diet supports their overall health and vibrant colours.

Origin and Environment

Platies are native to the freshwater streams, rivers, and marshes of Central America, ranging from Mexico to Honduras. These regions are characterized by warm, moderately hard water, which contributes to the platies' adaptability to different water conditions in captivity. Their natural habitats often include dense vegetation and slow-moving waters. By replicating these conditions in home aquariums, including ample plant life and gentle water flow, aquarists can ensure the well-being and comfort of their platies.

Payment Methods

We accept all major Credit and Debit cards, and these are processed via a third party payment gateway called Opayo. 

We also accept payments via PayPal, PayPal credit, Clearpay and Klarna which are both pay in 4 interest-free instalments. 

Also, you can pay using Android and Apple Pay if you are using a compatible device. 

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Security

When speaking to one of our team, we will never ask you for your bank details, passwords or any private information. We will only ever ask for your order number followed by either your postcode, email address or phone number to verify we are talking to the person named on the account. 

When creating an account on our website, we ask that you use a unique password, this will help keep all your online accounts safe. If you are visiting our website via a smartphone we suggest you use the strong password and store it securely on your phone. 

Our website is run on Visual Soft, which means all your data is stored securely on their servers. 

Next Day Shipping cut off is at Noon/12:00pm

Orders after that time will be processed the next working day

Please Note: Certain ponds, aquariums, all pond plants, and all livestock are excluded from free delivery.

The blue highlighted area on the map below is where we deliver on our own vehicle. Unfortunately, if you are not in one of these postcode zones we are unable to deliver certain items such as plants, small glass items and selective other products.

We offer a few different delivery options depending on the size and value of your order.

Certain orders over £50 qualify for free mainland UK (excludes Northern Ireland, Pond Plants, and livestock) delivery which will arrive within 3-5 working days of the order being processed.

Orders Below £50 in Mainland UK will be charged a standard delivery fee of £5.99.

Pond Plant and Tropical/Marine/Pond Livestock will be charged a delivery fee of £19.99.

Additional Shipping Charges

For any orders that do not include Aquariums, the below is charged:

Next Working Day Parcel Delivery to Mainland UK - £7.99 OR £2.99 if the order is over £50 (excludes Northern Ireland)

Standard Parcel Delivery to Northern Ireland £8.99

Standard Parcel Delivery to Scottish Highlands & Islands £9.99

Standard Parcel Delivery to Jersey & Guernsey £12.99

For all Aquarium, Medium - Extra Large Terrarium/Vivarium/Paludarium deliveries (Excluding biOrbs & Smaller Aquariums), the below is charged:

You must be present for delivery and please check your item before signing for delivery.

A payment link will be sent to you if redelivery is required.

Next Working Day Pallet Delivery - £20

2 Hour Booking Slot Pallet Delivery - £20

Pallet Delivery to Northern Ireland - £45

Saturday and OptiClear 90 & 120 Delivery - £60

Pallet Delivery to Isle of Wight (PO30 and Above) and Scottish Highlands (AB, PH, IV1-36, IV, KW1-14, KY, PA21-41) - £45

Pallet Delivery to the Scottish Isles (KA27-28, PA60-90, ZE, JE, GY, IM, IV40-56, KW15-17, PH42-44, PA20, PA42-49) - £120

Pallet Delivery to Outer Hebrides (HS) - £140

Pond's over 1000 litres will be a curb side pallet delivery.

Aquariums over 125 litre will be a curb side pallet delivery.

The couriers we use are Royal Mail, DX, APC, and UPN.

Standard Delivery

Northern Ireland Standard Delivery

Next Day Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Saturday Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Livestock Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Plant Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Standard Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Next Day Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Saturday Curb Side Pallet Delivery

Cut off is Noon/12:00pm

Northern Ireland Curb Side Pallet Delivery