Fin's Fish Guide
The Moon (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is one of the most popular aquarium fishes in the world, a small livebearing fish of the family Poeciliidae from Central America. The wild form is plain olive with a few spots, but the aquarium trade has countless bright red, orange, yellow and black cultivated forms. The species reaches only about 4 cm and shows sexual dimorphism; the male has an anal fin modified into a copulatory organ (gonopodium). It inhabits warm springs, canals and ditches with slow-moving water and weedy banks. As an omnivore it feeds on worms, crustaceans, insects and algae. The species has been introduced worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Moon?
The Moon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. Ovoviviparous with a gonopodium in the male; countless colour breeding forms, introduced worldwide.
Where does the Moon live?
The Moon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Fresh water of Central America.
How big does the Moon get?
The Moon grows to a maximum of about 4 cm. On average the species is around 2 cm.
Is the Moon dangerous to humans?
No, the Moon is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Moon edible?
The Moon is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Xiphophorus
More from the family Poeciliidae
Want the complete picture on the Moon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Moon is one of 12,519 species in the app.