Hawaii Variatus Platy (Xiphophorus variatus) – Single Fish 4–4.5 cm

A larger, single Hawaii Variatus for topping up a group

The variatus platy (Xiphophorus variatus) is a hardy livebearer whose wild range lies in north-eastern Mexico. The Hawaii is an aquarium-bred colour form: a golden-yellow head and front, a black rear body, a red tail and a yellow dorsal fin. Variatus platies are a little slimmer than the common platy and tolerate cooler water; adults are usually 4–6 cm.

This listing sells single fish of 4–4.5 cm — larger than our standard group — so you can choose exactly how many you add.

What you receive

One quantity is one live Hawaii Variatus Platy of 4–4.5 cm; set the quantity to the number of fish you want. Sex is not guaranteed. Keep them in a group — five or more is a good start.

The photo shows this colour form; the black area and the red of the tail vary between fish.

Aquarium and water

Give a group an aquarium of about 60 litres and 60 cm long, with open swimming room and planted edges. Variatus platies like harder, mineral-rich water and moderate temperatures: 18–24°C, pH 7.0–8.0 and 9–19 dGH; avoid long spells above 25°C. Add them to a mature aquarium and keep nitrate low with regular water changes.

Feeding

Feed a varied omnivore diet: quality micro-pellets or flakes with plant content, plus occasional frozen or live foods such as Daphnia and brine shrimp.

Tank mates and behaviour

Peaceful and social. Good companions are other livebearers and calm community fish that like the same harder, moderate-temperature water. Where males and females are mixed, two or three females per male reduces chasing. Fry will be eaten unless there is dense cover.

Follow the arrival sequence before releasing the fish

Tropical Fish Co’s delivery and Live Arrival Guarantee policy explains the packing and arrival procedure. Livestock is hand-bagged in pure oxygen and placed in an insulated poly box, with a heat pack when the weather calls for it. Someone must be at the address to receive the parcel because live animals cannot be left unattended.

1. Receive the parcel in person and start filming before opening it. Show the parcel still sealed with the outer box visible.
2. Open the parcel in one continuous take. Keep filming until the fish can be seen inside the sealed bag before anything is disturbed.
3. Float the bag for 20–30 minutes so the temperature equalises slowly.
4. Do not pour the bag water into the aquarium. Release the fish without adding transport water to the established system.

If a Live Arrival Guarantee claim is required, contact us on the same day with the order number and the continuous unboxing video. Before the parcel arrives, confirm that ammonia and nitrite read zero and that the aquarium matches the water values on this page.

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from the Hawaii Variatus group?

This listing sells single, larger fish of 4–4.5 cm, one per quantity, so you can add exactly the number you want.

What temperature does it need?

Variatus platies prefer 18–24°C; avoid long periods above 25°C.

How big do they get?

Adults are usually 4–6 cm.

Can I choose the sex?

No, sex is not guaranteed.

Public references

• FishBase: Xiphophorus variatus — identity, native range and environment.
• USGS: Xiphophorus variatus fact sheet — native range and natural history.
• OATA: How to look after platies and swordtails — water quality, feeding and group guidance for platies.
• RSPCA aquarium environment guidance — biological filtration and the aquarium nitrogen cycle.