There is truly Babylonian confusion of language among the breeding forms of livebearers. This is unpleasant for everyone involved, but a solution to the problem is not in sight. Bulky descriptions do not look good on the offer lists, not every customer is a specialist and knows the breeder codes, and besides, nobody can tell the breeders how to name their animals. Therefore we try from time to time to bring some clarity into this name jungle.
The Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) we are looking at today is a not common, but very pretty breeding form. The body is red, scattered all over the body it has black spots. Swordtails (X. hellerii) colored like this are called “Berliners”, that’s why some call the corresponding Platy like this. In contrast to the Berlin swordtails, the black dots of the Platy never degenerate into cancer. Other breeders call black speckled Platy breeding forms Salt & Pepper, others Calico. But behind all three names the same fish is hidden.
For our customers: the animals have code 443553 on our stocklist. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
