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Glite Dictionary
platy

platy

1 8.2
A small, round freshwater fish from Mexico and Central America kept in home aquariums
  • noun
  • /ˈplæti/
  • US
: platy
  • I have several different varieties of platies swimming happily in my fish tank.

Examples

  • The limestone is platy to a depth of 104 cm and massive below that depth.

    Academic text (1998)

  • The bright colors of the platy make it a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts.

  • White platy clay is common below a depth of 81 cm.

    Academic text (1998)

  • White, platy, and massive chalky limestone is present below a depth of 36 cm.

    Academic text (1998)

  • Many fish keepers appreciate how friendly and social the platy is in a community aquarium.

Synonyms

Platypoecilus maculatus
vsplaty
  • Specialized
9.9

A small freshwater fish from Mexico kept in home fish tanks

is native to both Mexico and Central America rather than only Mexico

Surface Forms

platy singular
platys plural

Etymology

The word platy comes from the Greek root platys, which means 'broad' or 'flat', and was first used for the small, wide-bodied fish called the platyfish kept in aquariums. The short name platy stuck, so today it refers to this small, colorful freshwater pet fish.