Black Parrot Platy

The Black Parrot Platy is a striking selectively bred platy with a predominantly deep-black body, often accompanied by subtle metallic highlights or lighter colouration around the face and fins. Individual markings can vary between fish, giving each one a distinctive appearance. Peaceful, active and hardy, this variety is an excellent choice for community aquariums and beginner fishkeepers.

These sociable livebearers are best maintained in small groups in a well-planted aquarium with open areas for swimming. When keeping males and females together, provide more females than males to reduce persistent courtship. Black Parrot Platies prefer clean, stable water with moderate filtration and benefit from naturally hard, mineral-rich conditions. A mature aquarium measuring at least 60 cm in length is recommended.

Maximum adult size: Approximately 6–7 cm; females are usually larger and fuller-bodied than males

Temperament: Peaceful, active and sociable; suitable for most non-aggressive community fish

Difficulty of care: Easy

Preferred Temperature: 20–26 °C

Preferred pH of water: 7.0–8.2

Type of breeding: Livebearer; females give birth to fully formed, free-swimming fry. Dense planting or a separate nursery aquarium will improve fry survival, as adults may eat their young.

Dietary preferences: Omnivorous. Feed a varied diet of quality flakes or small pellets containing vegetable matter, supplemented with algae-based foods and occasional live or frozen foods such as daphnia, Artemia and bloodworm.