Platy (fish)

Platy is a common name of freshwater fish in the genus Xiphophorus that lack a "sword" at the bottom of their tails.

[1][2]The two species, the southern platyfish and the variatus platy, have been interbred to the point where they are difficult to distinguish.

The anal fin of the male fish has evolved into a gonopodium, a stick-shaped organ used for reproduction.

Wild varieties are drab in coloration, lacking the distinctive dark lateral line common to many Xiphophorus species.

In the wild they are olive in color with black marbling or spots on the side of the caudal peduncle.