matt6765

Hi I just got this fish and I was wondering if it is a molly or a platy?

Attached Images

rsz_molllyplaty.jpg (127.3 KB, 69 views)

aquarist48

Hello. It's a Platy

matt6765

are you 100% positive

platy ben

I would say its definitly a platy, 100%

matt6765

that is weird because the tank said it was all mollys

platy ben

Well that tank is wrong, thats definitly a platy

matt6765

I guess that is ok... are platy's mean

platy ben

Nope, they are bascially the same as a molly, just smaller, theo ne in your pic is a very pretty male

matt6765

can there be black platies? because i also bought a "black molly" that day

platy ben

Its very rare that you will find a black platy and i personally have never seen one, so it is likely that it is a black molly

matt6765

ok will mollys and platys breed together?

platy ben

Theres a small chance but i wouldnt encourage this as this can easily ruin blood lines

matt6765

ok thank you for your help

platy ben

No problem

mathas

According to everything I've read, the answer is no.

Mollies, as a member of the Poecilia genus, can cross-breed with certain other members of the genus, such as guppies and maybe endlers. Platies, as a member of the Xiphophorus genus, can cross-breed with other members of that genus, such as swordtails.

I've read a few posts on various forums claiming the poster has molly/platy fry, but given the ability of both species to store sperm from a single mating and produce several batches of fry, it's at least as likely that they were impregnated in a mixed-sex tank at the store before purchase.

I've never seen any actual proof of a molly/platy crossbreed, and I'd think that with as long as both species have been in the hobby, such a crossbreed would be if not common at least known, were it possible.

matt6765

ok thank you for your advice...I will give you a good rep for it. can you also look at my new thread Snail vs. Plant...thankyou

matt_trace

how did you no this was male from the pic lol i have 2 platys and dont no if there male or female also have 2 guppies 1 of each sex and i have 2 fry but not yet sure if there platy fry or guppy lol as i dont no what sex my platys are how do you tell the difference?

mathas

By the shape of the anal fin.

See the pictures in this thread for visual differences: Sexing Livebearers

platy ben

The fin in between the two fins at the bottom of the platy (forgot what they're called) is pointed on a male but fanned out like a normal fin on the female

matt_trace

o right i c i will check mine now looks like i have 2 males then lol there always chasing each other but not agressivly at all thort this was courtship behaviour, this would also explain why my female guppy is always with the platy i think shes in love with him rather than the other guppy lol she never leaves the platys side and if the male guppy goes near the platy she chases him away how wierd lol

Leigh

That looks like my platy, Cheeto. She is HUGE, close to 3 inches long. She's not mean just very schizo! lol!

Chris123

That Absoullutly a platy

fabcab

thats a platy its very beutiful too!

navyscuba

That is a RED Wag Platy