Hi-Fin

Hi-fin platies are domestic aquarium platies selected for an enlarged, upright dorsal fin. The trait is seen within Xiphophorus maculatus and in commercial platy lines that may include related Xiphophorus ancestry, so it appears across many color patterns rather than as a separate species. Red, orange, yellow, sunset, Mickey Mouse, blue, salt and pepper, and wagtail hi-fins all share the same basic livebearer body, with the long dorsal giving males in particular a sail-like profile. A good hi-fin should still be able to swim normally and hold the fin without looking pinched or deformed.

They are kept like other platies: peaceful community fish for mature freshwater aquariums with stable, moderately hard to hard water, vegetable matter in the diet, and enough cover for shy females and fry. Long fins can attract nipping from tiger barbs, some tetras, or cramped tankmates, so calm companions are safer. Breeding is easy because females bear live young and can store sperm, but maintaining a hi-fin line requires separating breeders by color and fin type. Fry should be grown on to check that the dorsal remains functional as the fish matures.

Colors: Blue, Mickey Mouse, Orange, Red, Salt and Pepper, Sunset, Wagtail, Yellow