- Variable platyfish
Taxobox
name = Variable Platyfish
status = G5
status_system = TNC
status_ref = Cite web
publisher =NatureServe
title = Xiphophorus variatus
work = NatureServe Explorer
url = http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Xiphophorus+variatus+
accessdate = 2007-08-28]
image_width = 250px
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis =Actinopterygii
ordo =Cyprinodontiformes
familia =Poeciliidae
genus = "Xiphophorus "
species = "X. variatus"
binomial = "Xiphophorus variatus"
binomial_authority = (Meek, 1904)The variable platyfish ("Xiphophorus variatus") is a
species offreshwater fish in familyPoecilidae of orderCyprinodontiformes . A live-bearer, it is native to southernTamaulipas and northern Veracruz states in northeasternMexico . It is a popular fish in the aquarium trade due to its prolific breeding, as are hybrids with other members of its genus, most notably thesouthern platyfish .Description
The variable platyfish grows to a maximum overall length of 7.0 cm (2.8 in). In the wild they are olive in colour with black marbling or spots on the side of the
caudal peduncle . Large males show blackish blotches on thedorsal fin . Unlike some other members of the genus, "X. variatus" has no claw at the tip of the fifthanal fin ray. The fourth pectoral ray shows well-developed serrae (i.e. saw-like notches). They typically have 20 to 24 lateral scales, 10 to 12 dorsal rays and 2 rows of jaw teeth.citation| last=Page | first=Lawrence M.; Burr, Brooks M.| title=A Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes| year=1991| publisher=Houghton Mifflin| place=New York| isbn=0395910919]Range and habitat
"X. variatus" is endemic to the
Atlantic slope ofMexico from southernTamaulipas north to northernVeracruz . It is considered uncommon across its range. The species has also been introduced and become established in a number of locales, largely due to releases related to the aquariums trade. In theUnited States they have been established in canals along the eastern shore ofTampa Bay ,Florida , as well as in Gainesville. They are also naturalised in springs in the counties of Beaverhead, Granite and Madison inMontana . The species has been spread to a number of other countries outside of its range includingColombia ,Singapore , andHong Kong , the latter of which reports a negative impact on native species due to its prodigious breeding.The fish's habitats include slow-moving waters of vegetated canals, ditches, and warm springs. Omnivorous, its diet includes both plants and small
crustacean s,insect s, andannelid worms.Aquarium trade
The variable platyfish is bred commercially for the
aquarium hobby. They are very easy to breed by the home aquarist, and are a good addition to the community aquarium. The species has also been used in genetic research."X. variatus" is also known by a variety of other common names, including variable platy, variegated platy, variatus platy, with many colour and pattern types such as the Indian platy, Mickey Mouse Platy, parrot platy (Ger. "Papageienkärpfling"), and sunset platy.
References
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