Platy: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup
A sturdy, peaceful livebearer in many colours. Keep three or more in 10 gallons or larger.
- Minimum tank
- 10 gallons
- Temperature
- 70–80°F
- Group size
- 3 or more
- Adult size
- 2.5 inMiddle of the tank
- Will breed in mixed-sex groups, though less explosively than guppies.
Xiphophorus maculatus. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.
How many platies per tank size
The most you could keep if platies were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.
| Tank | Platy, kept alone | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small (needs 10+ gal) | |
| 10 gallon | Up to 3 | Plan this tank |
| 20 gallon | Up to 9 | Plan this tank |
| 29 gallon | Up to 14 | Plan this tank |
| 40 gallon | Up to 20 | Plan this tank |
| 55 gallon | Up to 27 | Plan this tank |
| 75 gallon | Up to 37 | Plan this tank |
What you need for platies in a 10-gallon tank
A starting setup: 3 platies in the smallest standard tank that suits them.
10-gallon tank
- These fit a 10-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 75°F.
- Platies breed readily. Keep males only if you don't want fry.
Equipment, sized for this tank
Starter supplies
Paid links. As an Amazon Associate, TankStarter earns from qualifying purchases. Sizes are estimates from published care guidelines, not hands-on testing.
Platy tank mates
These share a temperature range and temperament with platies, with no warnings from our checks.
Use caution with: fancy goldfish. Add them in the builder to see why.
Plan a tank around platies
Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.
Open the tank builderPlaty questions
What size tank does a platy need?
At least 10 gallons for a group of 3. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.
How many platies can I keep in a 10-gallon tank?
Up to about 3 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.
Do platies need a heater?
Usually yes. Platy does best at 70–80°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 10-gallon tank needs about 50 watts in a 68°F room.
What fish can live with platies?
Good matches include bettas, neon tetras, cardinal tetras, ember tetras, rummy-nose tetras, black skirt tetras. They share a temperature range and temperament with platies.