NONMONSTER: Variatus, Platy, Swordtail durability.

[ewurm]

I have successfully kept and bred swordtails and platys for a couple years, but success with variatus eludes me. These fish die within 4 months of me purchasing them, even though they are young. The platys thrive. Any insight? Thanks.

 

[Oddball]

The Xiphophorus variatus (in all it's varied forms) occurs in waters with lower temps than your other livebearers. A temp of 80F that's normal for most livebearers is too high for the variatus. They do better in temps from the low to mid 70s. After the temp is adjusted to their needs, good quality foods and regular water changes are all they need to live happily.

 

[RadleyMiller]

Thanks Oddball, I didn't even know they needed cooler water. I just know my molly likes the heat craknked way up!

 

[ewurm]

The Xiphophorus variatus (in all it's varied forms) occurs in waters with lower temps than your other livebearers. A temp of 80F that's normal for most livebearers is too high for the variatus. They do better in temps from the low to mid 70s. After the temp is adjusted to their needs, good quality foods and regular water changes are all they need to live happily.

That is probably my mistake. I keep my livebearer tank at 80, to reduce possibility of disease.

 

[DeLgAdO]

That is probably my mistake. I keep my livebearer tank at 80, to reduce possibility of disease.

with fish that dont tolerate warm water very well, raising the temeprature works against there immune system.

 

[ewurm]

I think platys and swords do well at 80, don't they?

 

[AtomixIGN]

Platies especially.

 

[ewurm]

I got some new variatus, I'm trying 74 deg.