The Perfect Trio for Breeding Success

For the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout.

The Bumble Bee Platy Trio is a striking choice for aquarists looking to add a bold, contrasting color pattern to their aquarium. Each trio consists of one male and two females, the ideal ratio for a balanced and thriving breeding group. These tank-bred Bumble Bee Platies are named for their distinctive yellow and black pattern, resembling the colors of a bumble bee. Their peaceful nature makes them an excellent addition to community tanks. Whether you’re new to the hobby or a seasoned aquarist, the Bumble Bee Platy Trio brings both beauty and breeding excitement to your aquarium. Individual genders are sometimes available.

What We Love About This Trio:

A bold yellow and black appearance: The Bumble Bee Platy’s striking color contrast makes it a standout in any tank, adding a unique and eye-catching visual element.
An ideal breeding group: The 1 male to 2 female ratio helps promote balanced interactions, reducing stress on the females and encouraging frequent breeding.
Great for beginners and breeding enthusiasts: Hardy and easy to care for, the Bumble Bee Platy is perfect for anyone looking to start a breeding group or add lively color to their aquarium.
Livebearers that reproduce easily: With proper care, this trio will establish a self-sustaining population, giving you the opportunity to watch their fry grow into vibrant adults.

What Does Trio Mean?

A “Trio” refers to a group of three Bumble Bee Platies: one male and two females. This 1:2 male-to-female ratio is crucial for successful breeding. By having two females, the male’s attention is balanced, reducing stress and promoting a healthier breeding environment. This setup ensures balanced social interactions and frequent reproduction.

Natural Habitat:

Though the Bumble Bee Platy is a selectively bred variant, platies are native to Central America. They thrive in slow-moving rivers, ponds, and streams where plant cover and moderate water flow create ideal conditions for living and breeding.

Aquascaping:

Plants: Hardy plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Hornwort offer cover for fry and create a natural, comfortable environment for the fish.
Hardscape: Add smooth river rocks, driftwood, and caves to provide hiding spaces and natural structure.
Botanicals: Indian almond leaves or alder cones can help mimic their natural habitat and provide tannins to the water, though they are not required.

Diet and Feeding:

Bumble Bee Platies are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet. Feed them high-quality flakes or pellets as their staple diet, and supplement with blanched vegetables (like spinach or zucchini) and live or frozen foods (such as brine shrimp or bloodworms) to promote their health and vibrant colors. A varied diet also supports breeding success.

Tank Mates and Compatibility:

Bumble Bee Platies are peaceful fish that do well with other small, non-aggressive species like Corydoras, Guppies, and small Tetras. Avoid housing them with large or aggressive species that may bully or harm them.

Shrimp Safe:

Bumble Bee Platies are generally safe with adult shrimp but may prey on shrimp fry. Providing plenty of hiding spots in the tank will help protect shrimp fry if keeping them together.

Breeding:

Bumble Bee Platies are livebearers, meaning the females give birth to fully-formed fry. To ensure breeding success, provide plenty of plant cover to help fry hide from adults who may attempt to eat them. A well-planted tank increases the likelihood of fry survival.

Recommended Tank Parameters:

Temperature: 68 – 79F (20 – 26C)
pH: 7.0 – 8.2
KH: 10 – 25 dKH
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (for a trio)

Care Guidelines:

Diet: Feed a varied diet of high-quality flakes or pellets, supplemented with vegetables and live or frozen foods to enhance their health and colors.
Social Behavior: Bumble Bee Platies are social and thrive in groups. The 1 male to 2 female ratio ensures balanced interactions and breeding success.
Origin: These Bumble Bee Platies are tank-bred for hardiness and unique coloration, making them well-suited to aquarium life.
Average Adult Size: 2 – 2.5 inches (5 – 6.5 cm)
Average Purchase Size: 1 – 1.5 inches (2.5 – 4 cm)

Bring a bold pop of color to your aquarium with the Bumble Bee Platy Trio! This group is ideal for aquarists looking to enjoy the beauty of livebearers and establish a thriving breeding community.

Live Arrival Guarantee:

All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support!