Xiphophorus maculatus hybrid “Red Tiger / Bleeding Heart Platy”

The Red Tiger Platy is a beautiful, “newer” domestic strain of Xiphophorus maculatus. I have also seen these fish called Bleeding Heart Platies.  Looking through the mix of fish shipped in, I’d say they lean more towards “Bleeding Heart”, where there is more sold red coloration in the chest, and more red marking overall, whereas fishes termed Red Tiger tend to be more pale white, with more prominent red striping. Either way, the vertical red stripping is present, it’s more apparent in some vs. others.

As with any livebearer strain, there is some variation in the appearance, and since there is no “official standard” for any strain, it’s fair to say that if you’re looking for something very particular, best to ask for images. What you see here is representative of what we have to offer – I’ve actually requested the variants that have some black in them (eg. the Mickey Mouse Red Tigers) because I personally like the contrast more.

Most domesticated livebearers may have hybridization in their origins, so I make sure to note that on these listings.

This particular offering of livebearers is from the general trade; seeing them available, and knowing how long I’ve been trying to get my hands on some again, I couldn’t pass them up!