Platy tank mates

Xiphophorus maculatus

5 rated pairings from the Platy care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Platy needs at least 10 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.

Fits a 10-gallon tank →Beginner-friendly →Peaceful →

Excellent matches

2 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.

Guppy

Poecilia reticulata

easy

10 gal min · 2" adult · Peaceful

Similar size, peaceful temperament, and identical water parameter requirements make guppies ideal companions

Ramshorn Snail

Planorbarius corneus

easy

5 gal min · 0.75" adult · Peaceful

Peaceful invertebrate that helps control algae and decaying matter without competing with platies

Good matches

2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.

Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

easy

10 gal min · 1.5" adult · Peaceful

Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy similar water zones and prefer comparable water conditions

Dwarf Gourami

Trichogaster lalius

easy

15 gal min · 3.5" adult · Semi-aggressive

Peaceful mid-water dweller with compatible temperature and pH requirements, though monitor for territorial behavior

Use caution

1 · Works in the right setup; read the note before combining.

Red Cherry Shrimp

Neocaridina davidi

easy

5 gal min · 1.2" adult · Peaceful

Generally compatible but adult platies may occasionally nip at shrimp; provide dense plants for refuge

Also recommended alongside Platy

Species whose own guides list Platy as a tank mate.

Swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

easy

20 gal min · 4" adult · Peaceful

Molly

Poecilia sphenops

easy

15 gal min · 3" adult · Peaceful

Dalmatian Molly

Poecilia sphenops

easy

20 gal min · 3" adult · Peaceful

Gold Dust Molly

Poecilia sphenops

easy

20 gal min · 3" adult · Peaceful

Red Swordtail

Xiphophorus hellerii

easy

20 gal min · 4.5" adult · Peaceful

Black Molly

Poecilia sphenops

Belonesox belizanus

expert

75 gal min · 20" adult · Aggressive

Planning this tank?

Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.

Full care guide Stocking calculator