Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platy 3-5cm

Description

Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Brilliant, elegant and full of colour, the Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platy is a premium livebearer featuring shimmering blue iridescence, vibrant rainbow highlights and graceful butterfly-style fins. Peaceful, hardy and easy to care for, this stunning variety makes a spectacular addition to any freshwater community aquarium.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Xiphophorus maculatus
  • Common name: Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platy
  • Adult size: Approximately 5–7 cm
  • Tank size: 40L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful and active
  • Best kept: Groups of 5 or more

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want an eye-catching centrepiece among your livebearers.
  • You enjoy colourful planted community aquariums.
  • You're looking for hardy, beginner-friendly fish.
  • You appreciate unique finnage and metallic colours.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
  • You don't want fish that may breed.
  • Your aquarium has unstable water conditions.
  • You prefer large predatory fish.

Why choose Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platies?

The Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platy is a selectively bred variety admired for its shimmering blue body, iridescent rainbow highlights and beautifully enlarged butterfly-style fins. Under quality aquarium lighting, their metallic colours become even more vibrant, creating an ever-changing display as they move through the water.

Like all Platies, they are active, curious and constantly exploring the aquarium. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal companions for a wide range of freshwater community fish, while their confidence ensures they remain visible throughout the day.

Every individual displays its own unique blend of blue, orange, yellow, black and iridescent tones, making each fish slightly different from the next.

Benefits

  • Brilliant blue metallic colouration
  • Elegant butterfly-style finnage
  • Unique rainbow iridescence
  • Hardy and beginner friendly
  • Peaceful community fish
  • Suitable for planted aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 22–28Β°C
  • pH: 7.0–8.2
  • Diet: Quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods and vegetable-based foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
  • Setup: Planted aquarium with open swimming areas and gentle water movement
  • Keep in groups to encourage natural social behaviour and confidence.
  • Perform regular partial water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras
  • Honey Gouramis
  • Harlequin Rasboras
  • Cherry Barbs
  • Bristlenose Catfish
NTA Insight:
The Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platy looks its best over a dark substrate with plenty of green aquatic plants. Full-spectrum LED lighting and a varied, high-quality diet help enhance the metallic blue sheen and vibrant rainbow colours that make this variety so popular.

FAQ

How big do Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platies grow?

Adults typically reach around 5–7 cm, making them ideal for community aquariums from 40 litres upwards.

Are they suitable for beginners?

Yes. Their hardy nature, peaceful temperament and straightforward care requirements make them an excellent choice for first-time fishkeepers.

Will every fish have the same colours?

No. Individual fish vary slightly in the intensity and distribution of their blue, rainbow and metallic markings, making each one unique.

Do they breed easily?

Yes. Like other Platies, they are livebearers and readily breed in suitable aquarium conditions. Healthy females can produce live fry approximately every four to six weeks.

Can they live with shrimp?

Adult dwarf shrimp generally coexist well with Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platies, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten. Dense plants and mosses provide excellent shelter for young shrimp.

Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platy 3-5cm

Product form
Free pickup in our shop(s)
πŸ“ In-Store Locations: B4
πŸ“¦ Arrival Date: 24 April 2026

2 in stock  

$10.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

    Brilliant, elegant and full of colour, the Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platy is a premium livebearer featuring shimmering blue iridescence, vibrant rainbow highlights and graceful butterfly-style fins. Peaceful, hardy and easy to care for, this stunning variety makes a spectacular addition to any freshwater community aquarium.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Xiphophorus maculatus
    • Common name: Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platy
    • Adult size: Approximately 5–7 cm
    • Tank size: 40L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful and active
    • Best kept: Groups of 5 or more

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want an eye-catching centrepiece among your livebearers.
    • You enjoy colourful planted community aquariums.
    • You're looking for hardy, beginner-friendly fish.
    • You appreciate unique finnage and metallic colours.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
    • You don't want fish that may breed.
    • Your aquarium has unstable water conditions.
    • You prefer large predatory fish.

    Why choose Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platies?

    The Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platy is a selectively bred variety admired for its shimmering blue body, iridescent rainbow highlights and beautifully enlarged butterfly-style fins. Under quality aquarium lighting, their metallic colours become even more vibrant, creating an ever-changing display as they move through the water.

    Like all Platies, they are active, curious and constantly exploring the aquarium. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal companions for a wide range of freshwater community fish, while their confidence ensures they remain visible throughout the day.

    Every individual displays its own unique blend of blue, orange, yellow, black and iridescent tones, making each fish slightly different from the next.

    Benefits

    • Brilliant blue metallic colouration
    • Elegant butterfly-style finnage
    • Unique rainbow iridescence
    • Hardy and beginner friendly
    • Peaceful community fish
    • Suitable for planted aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 22–28Β°C
    • pH: 7.0–8.2
    • Diet: Quality flakes, micro pellets, frozen foods and vegetable-based foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered
    • Setup: Planted aquarium with open swimming areas and gentle water movement
    • Keep in groups to encourage natural social behaviour and confidence.
    • Perform regular partial water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras
    • Honey Gouramis
    • Harlequin Rasboras
    • Cherry Barbs
    • Bristlenose Catfish
    NTA Insight:
    The Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platy looks its best over a dark substrate with plenty of green aquatic plants. Full-spectrum LED lighting and a varied, high-quality diet help enhance the metallic blue sheen and vibrant rainbow colours that make this variety so popular.

    FAQ

    How big do Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platies grow?

    Adults typically reach around 5–7 cm, making them ideal for community aquariums from 40 litres upwards.

    Are they suitable for beginners?

    Yes. Their hardy nature, peaceful temperament and straightforward care requirements make them an excellent choice for first-time fishkeepers.

    Will every fish have the same colours?

    No. Individual fish vary slightly in the intensity and distribution of their blue, rainbow and metallic markings, making each one unique.

    Do they breed easily?

    Yes. Like other Platies, they are livebearers and readily breed in suitable aquarium conditions. Healthy females can produce live fry approximately every four to six weeks.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Adult dwarf shrimp generally coexist well with Blue Butterfly Rainbow Platies, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten. Dense plants and mosses provide excellent shelter for young shrimp.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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