CheckMyFishTank

Platy care

Xiphophorus maculatus · Freshwater · Beginner level care

Platy, painted illustration

A cheerful, peaceful livebearer in many colors.

Smallest tank20 gallons
Adult size2.5 inches
Temperature68 to 78°F
pH7 to 8.2
GroupA group of 3 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsMiddle of the tank
Lives3 to 4 years
Watch for: Keep more females than males so females are not worn out.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Flakes, small pellets, blanched vegetables.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Platy in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Betta (Female)Betta (Male)Black Neon TetraBlack Phantom TetraBlack Ruby BarbBlack Skirt TetraBoesemani RainbowfishBrilliant RasboraBristlenose PlecoBronze Corydoras

Do not mix with

  • Tinfoil Barb: Tinfoil Barb grows big enough to eat Platy.
  • German Blue Ram: German Blue Ram and Platy need different water temperatures.
  • Discus: Discus and Platy need different water temperatures.
  • Convict Cichlid: Convict Cichlid is aggressive and will bully peaceful Platy.
  • Oscar: Oscar grows big enough to eat Platy.
  • Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempsey grows big enough to eat Platy.
  • Severum: Severum grows big enough to eat Platy.
  • Green Terror: Green Terror grows big enough to eat Platy.

Questions

What size tank does a Platy need?

At least 20 gallons for a group of 3. Adults grow to about 2.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Platy like?

68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 7 to 8.2. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Platy should I keep together?

Keep 3 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Platy eat?

Flakes, small pellets, blanched vegetables. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.