average size

Color: Large dorsal, yellow with black edge, caudal reddish, body various colors intermingled. Female, similar to female swordtail in color and markings. Male has spot resembling gravid spot on female. Color and markings vary.

Breeding Habits: Live bearers (same as swordtails). Do not breed true to color.

Temperature: 72° to 80° F.

Maturity: 5 to 8 months.

Temperament: Peaceful, very hardy.

MOONS OR PLATY PLATYPOECILIA (Mexico)

Color: RED MOON—deep rich red. GOLD MOON—gold body, red dorsal fin, BLUE MOON—blue body, black crescent at base of caudal. (Black Crescent may appear on Red and Gold Moons.) BLACK MOON—black body sometimes with greenish sheen, also found with red heads, (Black Helmet Moon), GOLD WAGTAIL—Gold body with black fins and black caudal. RED WAGTAILS—deep red body with black fins and black caudal.

Breeding Habits: Live bearers—15 to 30 young every 6 to 9 weeks. Breeding habits same as swordtails, except most young moons come to top. Cross breeding with swordtail common, producing beautiful hybrids (HELLERI) larger than either parent and assuming color of male (MOON).