Platies and Swordtails have been important livebearing species for the home and professional aquarium since their introduction in the 1930s. This title in the series, written by Derek and Pat Lambert, founders of Viviparous - the Livebearer Information Service, covers their natural and aquarium environments with full details of their classification, care, diet and breeding.

Since the early 1930s, platies and swordtails have been among the most popular groups of fish used by aquarium hobbyists. Cultivating hybrids for new color varieties and fancy fins among this species created an interesting twist for aquarists. Chapters examine the fascinating subjects of breeding and cultivation as well as basics like natural and aquarium environments, classification, care, and diet.