Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
2.5 inches
Temperature
70-80°F (21-27°C)
pH Range
7.0-8.2
Lifespan
3 years
School Size
5+ fish
About Platy
Platies are cheerful, easy-going livebearers originally from the coastal streams of Central America, primarily Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. Through extensive selective breeding, they now come in a dazzling array of colors and patterns including red wag, sunset, Mickey Mouse, blue, and tuxedo varieties. Like other livebearers, females give birth to fully formed, free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs. Platies are active mid-level swimmers that spend their days exploring every corner of the aquarium. Their hardy constitution, peaceful temperament, and willingness to eat almost anything make them one of the best starter fish for new aquarium hobbyists.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
- • pH: 7.0 - 8.2
- • Category: Livebearer
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Platies are undemanding but prefer moderately hard, slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7.0-8.2. Keep them in groups with more females than males to prevent harassment. They are enthusiastic eaters that readily accept flakes, pellets, and frozen foods, but benefit from occasional vegetable matter like blanched zucchini or spirulina-based foods. Platies breed easily and frequently, so plan for fry or keep single-sex groups. Maintain the tank at 70-78°F and perform regular water changes to prevent common issues like fin rot and ich. They mix well with other peaceful community fish of similar size.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
6cm
Adult Size (2.5")
3yr
Lifespan
5+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Platy
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Balloon Molly
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Sailfin Molly
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Tank Mates for Platy
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Molly
Poecilia sphenops
easy · 20+ gal
Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
easy · 20+ gal
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
easy · 15+ gal
X-Ray Tetra
Pristella maxillaris
easy · 10+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other easy-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Platy need?
A Platy needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 5.
What water parameters does a Platy need?
Platy thrive in water between 70-80°F (21-27°C) with a pH of 7.0-8.2.
Are Platy easy to care for?
Platy are considered easy to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 3 years.
How big do Platy get and what do they eat?
Platy reach about 2.5 inches and are omnivores. Platies are undemanding but prefer moderately hard, slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7.0-8.2. Keep them in groups with more females than males to prevent harassment. They are enthusiastic eaters that readily accept flakes, pellets, and frozen foods, but benefit from occasional vegetable matter like blanched zucchini or spirulina-based foods. Platies breed easily and frequently, so plan for fry or keep single-sex groups. Maintain the tank at 70-78°F and perform regular water changes to prevent common issues like fin rot and ich. They mix well with other peaceful community fish of similar size.