One of my favorite wild platy species

[emeraldking]

Some pics of my Puebla platies aka Highland platies (Xiphophorus evelynae).
This particular wild platy species occurs in the Rio Tecolutla stream in the eastern part of Mexico. Where it inhabits a fast flowing habitat. They are best kept at moderate temperatures. And they won't chase nor eat their fry. So, pregnant females can deliver their fry in the open.
The males have the same coloration as the females till a certain age when they start showing their male traits. The more dominant the better the colors of a male. Those males start off as grey with spots and will turn yellowish-brownish till even golden with spots. And they'll develop vertical bars on the chest. A higher number of bars or the broader the bars will be on both sides of the chest, makes them more attractive to females.
These platies need sufficient free swimming space.


It's also quite normal that males will develop a pseudo gravid spot.

 

[Uberhoust]

If I had harder water I would definitely like those Highland Platies. I like fish closer to the natural fish.

 

[GaryE]

I kept them for a number of years, and they were a favourite. One of the most pleasant to keep fish out there.

 

[emeraldking]

I kept them for a number of years, and they were a favourite. One of the most pleasant to keep fish out there.

And they do great outdoors as well...

 

[JackGulley]

The pattern of the males almost looks like a male guppy. So much color!

 

[emeraldking]

The pattern of the males almost looks like a male guppy. So much color!

The more dominant the male, the better the colors...

 

[Back in the fold]

A rather plain looking Platy but pretty nonetheless . I mean that as a compliment because I am that odd duck that likes plain silvery minnow like fish . The markings and coloration make me think Goodeid as well . Is there a link between the two fish other than being live bearers ?

 

[emeraldking]

A rather plain looking Platy but pretty nonetheless . I mean that as a compliment because I am that odd duck that likes plain silvery minnow like fish . The markings and coloration make me think Goodeid as well . Is there a link between the two fish other than being live bearers ?

Males can color up. The more dominant the male, the better the color.
Goodeids and Xiphophorus species are different genera but both do belong to the Poeciliidae family. Goodeids are viviparous while Xiphophorus species such as platies are ovoviviparous. This type of platy and goodeids originate both from Mexico.