What size tank do platies need?
At least 15 gallons (57 liters) for a group of 3. The smallest standard tank that works is the 15 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Xiphophorus maculatus.
How many platies in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if platies are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many platies |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 7 |
| 29 gallon | up to 11 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 15 |
| 55 gallon | up to 21 |
| 75 gallon | up to 28 |
| 125 gallon | up to 47 |
Check platies against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 3. In smaller numbers they are stressed, or one gets picked on.
Tank mates for platies
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Honey gourami
- Panda corydoras
- Otocinclus
- Zebra danio
- Bronze corydoras
- Peppered corydoras
- Hillstream loach
- Guppy
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as platy.
Can platies live with...
- bettas
- guppies
- neon tetras
- fancy goldfish
- angelfish
- bronze corydoras
- mollies
- tiger barbs
- dwarf gouramis
- cherry shrimp
- oscars
- zebra danios
- bristlenose plecos
Questions and answers
What size tank do platies need?
At least 15 gallons (57 liters) for a group of 3. The smallest standard tank that works is the 15 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many platies should be kept together?
At least 3. Platies are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can platies live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Platy needs at least 15 gallons (57 liters).
What temperature do platies need?
68–79 °F (20–26 °C), with a pH of 7–8.2. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can platies live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 15 gallons (57 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–79 °F (24–26 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.