Can guppies live with platies?
Yes Yes, guppies and platies can live together.
They share water conditions (22–26°C (72–79°F), pH 7–8), and neither can eat, nip or bully the other.
Side by side
| Guppy | Platy | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 5 cm (2 in) | 6 cm (2.4 in) |
| Temperature | 22–27°C (72–81°F) | 20–26°C (68–79°F) |
| pH | 7–8 | 7–8 |
| Minimum tank | 10 gallons (38 L) | 15 gallons (57 L) |
| Group size | 3 or more | 3 or more |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Top | Middle |
Shared range: 22–26°C (72–79°F), pH 7–8.
Tank size for both
The smallest common tank that fits 3 guppies and 3 platies comfortably is about 15 gallons. Check your own tank in the stocking calculator.
What you need for guppies and platies
Sized for a 15 gallon tank with 3 guppies and 3 platies.
Tank and equipment
- 15 gallon aquarium (tank or kit) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Bigger tanks are more stable and easier for beginners. How to choose
- Adjustable heater, 50 W (opens Amazon in a new tab)Holds about 75 °F (24 °C) in a room at 65 °F (18 °C). How to choose
- Aquarium thermometer (opens Amazon in a new tab)Check it daily: heaters can fail stuck on or off. How to choose
- Sponge filter for 20 gallons (opens Amazon in a new tab)Gentle flow, about 30–60 GPH, suits guppies, which prefer slow water. Needs a small air pump. How to choose
- About 35 lb of aquarium gravel (opens Amazon in a new tab)Enough for a layer about 2 in (5 cm) deep. Smooth gravel suits most community fish. How to choose
- Water conditioner (dechlorinator) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Removes chlorine and chloramine from tap water. Seachem Prime is a popular, concentrated choice. How to choose
- Liquid test kit (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Liquid kits are more accurate than strips. The API Freshwater Master Test Kit is the common choice. How to choose
- Gravel vacuum (siphon) (opens Amazon in a new tab)Cleans the gravel and does the water change in one go. How to choose
- LED aquarium light, about 24 in long (opens Amazon in a new tab)Match the light to the tank length. Basic LEDs grow easy plants. How to choose
Food and extras
- Micro pellets or flakes for small fish (opens Amazon in a new tab)Small enough for tetras, rasboras and other nano fish.
- Tropical fish pellets (opens Amazon in a new tab)A good staple for medium community fish.
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Better tank mates
For guppies
Frequently asked questions
Can guppies live with platies?
Yes. They share water conditions (22–26°C (72–79°F)) and neither threatens the other.
What size tank do guppies and platies need together?
At least 15 gallons for 3 guppies and 3 platies, based on adult size, waste and school size. Bigger is easier.
What temperature suits both guppies and platies?
Keep the tank at 22–26°C (72–79°F), where both are comfortable.
Verdicts come from our compatibility rules and researched species data. Individual fish vary, so add new fish gradually and watch them closely. Check other pairs in the compatibility checker.