Pecilia: reproduction and care at home. Pecilia aquarium fish: description, content

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Pecilia fish, the reproduction of which, as a rule, occurs without unnecessary trouble, is considered a fairly frequent inhabitant of modern living corners. It is often found not only in huge office aquariums, but also in ordinary home, medium or even very modest sizes.

In general, it should be noted that the platy is a fish, the maintenance of which will not be problematic even for beginners in the world of aquarium keeping.

This article will tell about it in sufficient detail. The reader will get acquainted with all the necessary information related to habitats, feeding habits and the appearance of such an interesting inhabitant of the underwater world as pecilia. Reproduction and breeding at home will also be covered in separate sections. After reviewing all the facts provided, anyone can have such a fish as a pet without any fear.

Section 1. General information and living conditions in nature

Pecilia -a fish that is a very popular inhabitant of modern aquariums. Why? Most likely, due to its unpretentiousness, easy breeding, beauty, various colors.

However, not everyone knows that its natural habitat is North and Central America. It is especially common in Veracruz in Mexico. In addition, you can find pecilia in California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, Texas, Hawaii, but it was brought here artificially.

Section 2. Appearance of fish

Pecilia, which is not only easy to keep, but also quite interesting and informative, is a rather small fish, its length rarely exceeds 3.5-5 cm, and its average life expectancy is within 3-4 years.

It is difficult to describe its appearance, as well as its coloring, due to the large variety of options. We can say with confidence that the female pecilia is not as bright and colorful as the male.

Scientists distinguish many varieties. For example, one cannot fail to mention the disk platy. She has an unusual, very curved spine and a special body shape. But red platies are much more mobile than other species.

Section 3. Gender differences of fish

Gender differences in these fish appear more than brightly. Females are visually larger, have a not so bright color, wider anal fin. In addition, they have a fuller and more rounded abdomen.

In males, the anal fin is small and pointed at the end, colorThe body is beautiful and very bright. They are generally considered to be a real decoration of modern aquariums.

Section 4. Necessary conditions for breeding fish

Breeding platies is easy, as no special conditions are required for this. By the way, many aquarists even laugh, saying that it is much more difficult to stop the reproduction of these fish then than to start it. And it really is.

So, you got platylia? The reproduction of these inhabitants of the underwater world is not long in coming. In order for females to get pregnant normally and regularly, one male is enough for 3 females. Such an amount is optimal, as it significantly reduces the competition of males and at the same time gives females the opportunity to take a break from them for a while.

Pecilia are viviparous fish, i.e. they bear eggs inside the body and immediately formed fry that can swim is born. Pregnancy of the female is easy to determine by the rounded abdomen, as well as a dark spot next to the anal fin. The female can give birth without problems every 28 days, while the average number of fry is 20-40 pieces.

As a rule, the birth of platies is simple. Although it is still desirable to plant a pregnant female in a separate aquarium and add more plants there. At this time, the expectant mother does not need to be disturbed once again, so it is recommended to cover the front glass with paper.

Rsection 5. Caring for fry

It is important to consider that platies eat their fry, therefore, in order for them to survive, you should plant a lot of plants eitherimmediately deposit them in a separate container.

Further care of the fry is quite simple, because it is born large and fully formed. You can feed them with egg yolk, special crushed food or simple dry food. With abundant feeding and clean water, after 3 months, newborn platies will already become sexually mature.

Section 6. How to feed properly

In nature, the platy, which reproduces regularly and without any problems, mainly feeds on insects and algae. But in the aquarium, they are very happy to eat almost any kind of food.

It is very important to include fiber-rich foods in their diet, such as plant-based cereals or vegetables such as cucumbers, zucchini, and spinach. Such plant foods contribute to the better functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. But animal feed can be anything, for example, bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, coretra are well suited.

Section 7. Difficulties in maintenance and care

Pecilia, which does not require special skills, is great for both beginners and professionals.

Like almost all viviparous fish, platies are unpretentious and accommodating. They can be kept in small aquariums, from 40-50 liters. Of course, it is better that the volume is large. Among themselves, platies do not show aggressiveness (as, for example, swordtails), and they can be kept with a slight predominance of females.

As for the water parameters, here they are also not toowhimsical. The ideal option is water of medium hardness (15-30 dGH), acidity is desirable in the range of 7.0-8.3, and the optimum water temperature is 22-25C. The main thing is that the water is clean and fresh, the best option is to partially top up a certain part of the water weekly, usually at least 20%.

Filtration and aeration are, of course, desirable, but if the aquarium is not overcrowded, it can be completely neglected.

Section 8. Conditions for compatibility with other inhabitants of the aquarium

Another plus of platies is that they get along great in the general aquarium, they don’t touch any other fish at all.

But keep in mind that for predators they themselves can become easy prey. That is why it is best to place platies with other viviparous, for example, with mollies or swordtails.