Bumblebee Platy 3cm

Description

Bumblebee Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Bold, colourful and full of personality, the Bumblebee Platy is instantly recognisable by its striking yellow and black colouration. Hardy, peaceful and easy to care for, this beautiful livebearer is an excellent choice for beginner and experienced aquarists looking to add vibrant contrast to a community aquarium.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Xiphophorus maculatus
  • Common name: Bumblebee Platy
  • Current size: Approximately 3 cm
  • 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're looking for colourful, beginner-friendly fish.
  • You want a peaceful community aquarium.
  • You enjoy active livebearers with plenty of personality.
  • You're interested in breeding Platies.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep aggressive or predatory fish.
  • You don't want fish that may reproduce.
  • Your aquarium has unstable water conditions.
  • You prefer very shy or slow-moving species.

Why choose Bumblebee Platies?

The Bumblebee Platy is a selectively bred variety admired for its vibrant golden-yellow body contrasted by bold black markings, creating a pattern reminiscent of a bumblebee. Individual fish may vary slightly in their markings, giving each one its own unique appearance.

These lively fish are constantly exploring the aquarium, interacting with one another and grazing on biofilm throughout the day. Their peaceful temperament makes them ideal companions for a wide variety of freshwater community fish, while their confidence makes them an excellent choice for display aquariums.

Hardy, adaptable and easy to care for, Bumblebee Platies are among the best fish for beginners while remaining a favourite of experienced aquarists who appreciate colourful livebearers.

Benefits

  • Beautiful yellow and black "bumblebee" colour pattern
  • Hardy and beginner friendly
  • Peaceful community fish
  • Active and entertaining behaviour
  • Suitable for planted aquariums
  • Easy to breed in suitable conditions

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 space and gentle water movement
  • Keep in groups to encourage natural behaviour and confidence.
  • Perform regular partial water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras
  • Honey Gouramis
  • Harlequin Rasboras
  • Mollies
  • Bristlenose Catfish
NTA Insight:
The rich yellow and black colours of Bumblebee Platies become even more vibrant in mature planted aquariums with dark substrates and quality nutrition. Like other Platies, they're constantly active and make excellent "always on display" fish that quickly become comfortable around their keeper.

FAQ

How big do Bumblebee Platies grow?

Adults typically reach around 5–7 cm, making them ideal for community aquariums of 40 litres or larger.

Are Bumblebee Platies suitable for beginners?

Yes. They are one of the easiest freshwater fish to care for and are highly recommended for first-time aquarium keepers.

Do they breed easily?

Yes. Bumblebee Platies are livebearers and healthy adults will often breed naturally, with females producing live fry approximately every four to six weeks.

Can Bumblebee Platies live with shrimp?

Adult dwarf shrimp generally coexist well with Platies, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten. Dense planting provides the best protection for young shrimp.

Will every Bumblebee Platy look the same?

No. While all display the characteristic yellow and black colouration, the exact pattern and distribution of markings varies slightly from fish to fish, making each individual unique.

Bumblebee Platy 3cm

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17 in stock  

$12.00


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    Description

    Bumblebee Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

    Bold, colourful and full of personality, the Bumblebee Platy is instantly recognisable by its striking yellow and black colouration. Hardy, peaceful and easy to care for, this beautiful livebearer is an excellent choice for beginner and experienced aquarists looking to add vibrant contrast to a community aquarium.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Xiphophorus maculatus
    • Common name: Bumblebee Platy
    • Current size: Approximately 3 cm
    • 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're looking for colourful, beginner-friendly fish.
    • You want a peaceful community aquarium.
    • You enjoy active livebearers with plenty of personality.
    • You're interested in breeding Platies.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep aggressive or predatory fish.
    • You don't want fish that may reproduce.
    • Your aquarium has unstable water conditions.
    • You prefer very shy or slow-moving species.

    Why choose Bumblebee Platies?

    The Bumblebee Platy is a selectively bred variety admired for its vibrant golden-yellow body contrasted by bold black markings, creating a pattern reminiscent of a bumblebee. Individual fish may vary slightly in their markings, giving each one its own unique appearance.

    These lively fish are constantly exploring the aquarium, interacting with one another and grazing on biofilm throughout the day. Their peaceful temperament makes them ideal companions for a wide variety of freshwater community fish, while their confidence makes them an excellent choice for display aquariums.

    Hardy, adaptable and easy to care for, Bumblebee Platies are among the best fish for beginners while remaining a favourite of experienced aquarists who appreciate colourful livebearers.

    Benefits

    • Beautiful yellow and black "bumblebee" colour pattern
    • Hardy and beginner friendly
    • Peaceful community fish
    • Active and entertaining behaviour
    • Suitable for planted aquariums
    • Easy to breed in suitable conditions

    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 space and gentle water movement
    • Keep in groups to encourage natural behaviour and confidence.
    • Perform regular partial water changes to maintain excellent water quality.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras
    • Honey Gouramis
    • Harlequin Rasboras
    • Mollies
    • Bristlenose Catfish
    NTA Insight:
    The rich yellow and black colours of Bumblebee Platies become even more vibrant in mature planted aquariums with dark substrates and quality nutrition. Like other Platies, they're constantly active and make excellent "always on display" fish that quickly become comfortable around their keeper.

    FAQ

    How big do Bumblebee Platies grow?

    Adults typically reach around 5–7 cm, making them ideal for community aquariums of 40 litres or larger.

    Are Bumblebee Platies suitable for beginners?

    Yes. They are one of the easiest freshwater fish to care for and are highly recommended for first-time aquarium keepers.

    Do they breed easily?

    Yes. Bumblebee Platies are livebearers and healthy adults will often breed naturally, with females producing live fry approximately every four to six weeks.

    Can Bumblebee Platies live with shrimp?

    Adult dwarf shrimp generally coexist well with Platies, although very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten. Dense planting provides the best protection for young shrimp.

    Will every Bumblebee Platy look the same?

    No. While all display the characteristic yellow and black colouration, the exact pattern and distribution of markings varies slightly from fish to fish, making each individual unique.

    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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