Xiphophorus redux.

March 31, 2010. In my previous blog I mentioned that one of the Blue Platies in my brackish aquarium had given birth (and the babies seem to be doing fine). Xiphophorus sp., such as platies and swordtails, are frequently kept in brackish aquariums (although the water in these aquariums typically has a specific gravity below 1.005). However, it is important to remember that Xiphophorus species are usually found in freshwater habitats; their adaptability to brackish conditions is more a demonstration of their hardiness and preference for waters with a higher pH. Since most brackish aquariums (using a quality marine salt to achieve the desired salinity) also have a higher pH, Xiphophorus species generally adapt fairly easily (and, like many poeciliids, my Blue Platies love feasting on the algae that grows so readily). Other poeciliids, such as mollies and guppies, naturally occur in brackish (and even marine) environments, so these would be better choices for aqauriums with higher salinities.


This is, of course, a general statement; there may well be species of specific Xiphophorus that inhabit brackish/saline environments, though these species (if they exist) are unlikely to be available to the average aquarist. If I find any, I will let you know!