Platy Bleeding Heart / Red Tiger (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Bleeding Heart Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

One of the most striking color variations of the Central American Platy is the Bleeding Heart. With its vivid coloration, this variant of Xiphophorus maculatus is a long-time favorite among aquarium enthusiasts. Its ease of care and simple breeding requirements make it an ideal choice for beginners, as it can tolerate occasional mistakes. This eye-catching fish is sure to become a centerpiece in any aquarium.

You will receive Bleeding Heart Platies in a mixed-sex group.

These Platies feature a luminous, semi-transparent body marked with vivid red vertical stripes. Some individuals may also have orange spotting on the head, occasionally extending over the gill covers.

Like other Platy varieties, the Bleeding Heart belongs to the family of livebearing toothcarps. In the wild, Platies are found in calm, slow-moving waters such as swamps and streams that feed into rivers. They typically inhabit densely vegetated shoreline areas. The Bleeding Heart Platy is closely related to the Variable Platy (Xiphophorus variatus), and the two species can interbreed in captivity. To maintain pure lines, it is best not to house them together. However, while they are related to mollies and guppies, these species cannot interbreed with Platies.

Males grow to about 4–6 cm and remain smaller and slimmer than females. A key distinguishing feature is the male’s gonopodium—a modified anal fin used for mating—while females lack this appendage. After successful mating, females give birth to 80–100 fry roughly every 3–4 weeks. Like guppies, female Platies can store sperm and reproduce multiple times without re-mating. Because adult Platies may eat their own fry, the aquarium should have dense vegetation to provide hiding spaces. Fry can be raised on infusoria or finely powdered food and later fed newly hatched Artemia nauplii. Alternatively, a breeding box can be used for protection.

Bleeding Heart Platies are highly social and thrive in groups of at least 10 individuals. They can be comfortably kept in aquariums starting from 54 liters. They prefer soft to moderately hard water with a total hardness (GH) of 5–25 °dGH, a carbonate hardness (KH) of 5–20 °dKH, a pH of 7.0–8.5, and a temperature range of 18–28 °C. As in their natural environment, a well-planted tank is recommended, ensuring both dense vegetation and open areas for swimming.

These peaceful fish are excellent community tank members and get along well with other gentle species that prefer similar water conditions. They can be kept with other Platy color varieties, although crossbreeding may result in new mixed colorations. Ideal tank mates include Corydoras catfish, tetras, danios, Loricariid catfish, and larger shrimp species such as Amano or Fan shrimp. Dwarf shrimp can also be housed with them, provided there are ample hiding spots and cover.