Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus compatibility profile. Find the best tank mates by checking water parameters, aquarium swim zone pressure, social rules, and shrimp-safe verifications.
Core facts & bioload limits
Adult size2.75"
Minimum tank15 gal
Temperamentpeaceful
Group3+
- temperature70-80F
- pH7-8.3
- water_hardnessGH 8-20 dGH | KH 4-12 dKH
- plant_safetysafe
- shrimp_safetycaution
- algae_eating_rolenone
- beginner_suitabilitybeginner
Planning resources
Community planning & swim zone pressure
When planning a community around Platy, consider the aquarium swim zone pressure. This species primarily occupies the topmiddle zone. Balance the setup by choosing tank mates that occupy the top or bottom zones to reduce crowding and stress.
Care caveats
- notesHardy peaceful livebearer; easy to keep but plan for fast breeding and water stability.
- caveatHardy but still needs a fully cycled, stable tank; platies are not a shortcut around the nitrogen cycle.
- caveatBreeds quickly in mixed-sex tanks — expect fry and plan for overstocking; keep all-male or all-female groups when breeding is not wanted.
- caveatPeaceful nature makes platies easy targets for aggressive or fin-nipping tankmates (tiger barb, serpae tetra, larger barbs, semi-aggressive cichlids).
- caveatChoose tankmates that share platy's preference for harder, mineral-rich water; avoid pairing with species that need soft acidic water.
Compatible tank mates
- Bladder Snailyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Bettayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Chili Rasborayellowwater_hardness_mismatch | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ember Tetrayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Cherry Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ghost Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Blue Dream Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Orange Sakura Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Black Rose Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Snowball Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->