Red Wag Platy
£2.50
Xiphophorus maculatus (red wag)
From Mexico and Central America, these get to around 5 cm (2 inches).
Platies like moderately hard water with a Ph above 7. They don't do too well in soft water.
These are livebearing fish that will deliver 10-40 youg every 30 days or so, although most of these will fall prey to other tank inhabitants if the fishkeeper doesn't take steps to separate the fry from adults.
Platies are peaceful and can live happily in most community tanks.