Livebearers · Xiphophorus maculatus

Platy care guide

Also called: Southern platyfish, Platyfish, Moonfish, Mickey Mouse platy, Red wag platy

The platy is a sturdy, colorful livebearer and one of the hardiest beginner fish. It is peaceful, comes in dozens of colors and does well in a planted community tank with moderately hard water. Expect babies if you keep males and females together.

Platies need a tank of at least 15 gallons (57 L), a group of 3 or more, and water at 20–26°C (68–79°F) with a pH of 7–8. They grow to about 6 cm (2.4 in) and are peaceful.

Plan a tank with platiesSee all tank mates

Platy quick facts

Scientific nameXiphophorus maculatus
FamilyPoeciliidae
OriginAtlantic slope of southern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize (aquarium platies are captive-bred, often with swordtail or variatus genes)
Adult size6 cm (2.4 in)
Minimum tank15 gallons (57 L), at least 60 cm (24 in) long
Temperature20–26°C (68–79°F)
pH7–8
Hardness (GH)10–25 dGH
Group size3 or more (harem (one male, several females))
TemperamentPeaceful
Swims atMiddle
DietOmnivore
Care levelEasy
Lifespan2–4 years
Safe with shrimp?Mostly (eats baby shrimp)
Safe with plants?Yes

Tank setup

A 15 gallon (57 L) tank at least 24 in (60 cm) long suits a small group, and 20 gallons (76 L) gives more room once fry grow up. Platies like planted tanks, especially floating plants and moss where fry can hide. Moderate filtration with gentle flow suits them well.

How many platies in a tank?

The smallest common tank that suits platies is a 15 gallon. Here is roughly how many fit in each size when they are the only fish, based on adult size and waste output. Leave room if you want tank mates.

TankPlaties (alone)
3 gallonToo small
5 gallonToo small
10 gallonToo small
15 gallon3–11
20 gallon3–14
20 gallon long3–14
29 gallon3–21
40 gallon3–29
55 gallon3–40
75 gallon3–55
125 gallon3–92

What you need for platies

Sized for a 15 gallon tank, the smallest common size that suits a group of 3 platies. For a different tank or a mix of fish, use the stocking calculator for a list sized to your plan.

Tank and equipment

Food and extras for platies

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Water parameters

Keep platies at 20–26 °C (68–79 °F), pH 7.0–8.0 and moderately hard water of about 10–25 dGH. They tolerate a fairly wide range, but long-term soft, acidic water leaves them weak and prone to illness. Change about 25% of the water each week.

Best tank mates for platies

These popular species share platies' water needs and temperament. See the full list of 107 good matches.

Avoid keeping platies with

  • Oscar: Oscar can eat platies: they're small enough to fit in its mouth once it's grown.
  • Chinese algae eater: Chinese algae eater is aggressive and will bully or injure peaceful platies.
  • Convict cichlid: Convict cichlid is aggressive and will bully or injure peaceful platies.
  • Discus: They need different temperatures: Platy 20–26°C (68–79°F), discus 28–30°C (82–86°F).
  • Electric yellow cichlid: Electric yellow cichlid is a Lake Malawi cichlid. It needs a Lake Malawi tank: hard, alkaline water (pH 7.5–8.5), plenty of rockwork and other cichlids from the same lake. Platies don't belong in that setup.
  • German blue ram: They need different temperatures: Platy 20–26°C (68–79°F), german blue ram 27–30°C (81–86°F).

Feeding

An easy omnivore. Feed quality flakes or small pellets, plus frozen or live foods like daphnia and brine shrimp. Include some vegetable flake or algae wafers, since platies graze on algae through the day. Adults need one or two small meals daily; fry need several.

Behavior

Platies are calm and get along with almost any peaceful community fish of similar size, such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras and other livebearers. Males usually tolerate each other but court females constantly, so keep at least two females per male. They don't school tightly but are livelier in a group.

Breeding

Platies breed freely. A female gives birth roughly every 4–6 weeks, often to 20–50 fry, and can store sperm for later broods. Adults eat fry, so dense plants help some survive. Platies cross with swordtails and variatus platies, which is how many color forms were made.

Tips from experienced keepers

  • Keep at least two females per male so the females are not worn out by constant courting.
  • Platies suit beginners because they adapt to a wide range of water and eat almost any food.
  • Plan what to do with fry before buying a mixed group. Many local fish stores take healthy juveniles.
  • Add live plants. They give fry cover and help use up fish waste.
  • Pick active fish with clear fins and full bellies. Mass-bred platies can be weakened by inbreeding.

Frequently asked questions

How many platies should be kept together?

Start with three to six, with at least two females for every male. Platies don't need a big school, but they are more active and relaxed in a group.

Can platies live with bettas?

Often, yes. Platies are calm and short-finned, so they rarely provoke a betta. Use a tank of at least 15 gallons (57 L) with plenty of plants so each fish has its own space.

Can platies and swordtails live together?

Yes. They need the same water and are both peaceful. They are close relatives and can interbreed, so expect mixed fry if you keep both sexes.

Sources

We checked these references when writing this page. Values are for healthy long-term keeping, not survival limits. Last reviewed 2026-10-13. See our editorial policy.