So you’ve got a stunning little group of platies sparkling up your tank but feel like something’s missing? It’s time to find them some fishy buddies!
Selecting the right tank mates for your platies is crucial for maintaining aquatic harmony.
You must consider size, temperament, and water conditions when choosing new fish.
For some, it’s a lot to take in. But don’t fret! In this article, I’ll share some of the most suited tank mates for platy fish.
Bottom Dwellers: The Tank’s Tidy-Up Crew
Down in the depths, along the gravelly bottom, these little workers keep things spick and span. They’re the perfect complement to your energetic platies up top!
Bristlenose Plecos

Bristlenose plecos are like tiny aquatic janitors – they use their sucker mouths to feast on algae and debris.
Their whiskery faces give them tons of character! Just make sure not to get a Common pleco – those chunky fellas can grow massive.
Bristlenoses stay small and prefer to hide, making them ideal platy pals.
Pro tip: give them a clay pot or cave to duck into. They’ll think it’s their own little hobbit hole!
Corydoras Catfish

If plecos are janitors, cory cats are the bubbly lunch ladies! These little cuties use their armored bodies to root around for scraps.
They’re super peaceful and prefer to stick together in groups of 6 or more.
Having a crew of corydoras is like installing an underwater Roomba – they’ll keep your tank spotless! Their active nature contrasts nicely with the laidback platies.
Otocinclus

Looking for the tiniest clean-up crew on the block? Check out otos! At just an inch long, these algae-eating machines are perfect for smaller tanks.
Their tiny sucker mouths work full-time to nibble away at plant leaves and decor. Let them loose in your tank, and they’ll have it crystal clear in no time!
Foraging Friends: Shrimp!
Shrimp make for fascinating and functional additions to a platy tank. They’ll magnify any leftover bits your other fish miss!
Here are a couple of standout varieties:
Red Cherry Shrimp

Cherry shrimp are little works of art! Their bright ruby-red coloration makes them pop against most aquascapes.
Despite their delicate appearance, these busy bees are excellent algae grazers.
They’re very peaceful but may become expensive platy snacks if not given proper hiding spots. Make sure to include lots of dense plants and rocks!
Amano Shrimp

Amanos are the hulking bodybuilders of the shrimp world. An inch larger than cherries, these monsters can withstand more platy attention with their see-through bodies and frenetic energy.
While they lack color, they make up for it in usefulness!
Amanos will bulldoze their way through hair algae and leftover fish food. Toss a few in, and your tank will always stay prim and proper.
More Platy Pals: Mollies, Guppies, and Swordtails
Since platies are livebearers, what better tank mates than more livebearers?
Mollies, guppies, and swordtails share similar water needs and temperaments. Just be cautious of crossbreeding if you mix males and females.
Mollies

These big ol’ livebearers come in a variety of colors like black, gold, and Dalmatian. Their flowing fins and pregnant bellies give them a major attitude!
Mollies aren’t as active as platies, preferring to drift lazily amongst the plants. They make an elegant contrast to the peppy platies zipping around.
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Guppies

No fish is flashier than the guppy. Offering a neverending parade of color and flair, guppies liven up any tank.
These little showboats flaunt their feathers with overflowing fantails, delta tails, spikes, and more! Keeping an all-male group prevents unwanted fry.
Just beware – those flowy fins make for easy nipping targets. Avoid fin nippers like tiger barbs if you keep guppies.
Swordtails

Last but not least, we have swordtails. With their namesake long caudal fins, swordtails bring drama and elegance with each swish.
Go for an all-female school to enjoy their graceful movements without breeding.
Swordtails swim leisurely in contrast with the zippy platies. Set up sight lines, and the two will captivate you as they cruise and dart through the tank!
Schooling Fish: Safety in Numbers!
Schooling fish like tetras, rasboras, and danios swim tightly together, bringing dynamism and activity to the tank. They’re excellent platy pals as long as you follow a few rules:
- Keep schools of 6+ fish
- Avoid fin nippers like Tiger Barbs
- Select small, peaceful varieties that won’t bully platy fry
Let’s look at some stellar options:
Neon Tetras

No schooling fish pops quite like neons! Their bright blue stripes shimmer when they move together.
Despite their small size, neons aren’t afraid to zoom out front, making them perfect energetic counterparts to platies.
Ember Tetras

For a more demure schooler, go with ember tetras. Their muted orange hue is less overwhelming than neons. And their tiny mouths prevent even accidental nibbling of fins.
Harlequin Rasboras

Harlequins bring finesse with their tuxedo-like pattern. These classy fish swim in polite harmony together.
Leave plenty of midwater territory for them to claim!
Top Dwellers: Mesmerizing from Above
Fill out all dimensions of your tank by including surface-dwelling fish. They’ll captivate from above while platies cruise below.
Here are a few dazzling choices:
Hatchetfish

Wildly-shaped hatchetfish are aptly named for their upward-angled mouths. Despite preferring the surface, they get along splendidly with platies.
Just be sure to keep your tank covered – they’re known to jump!
Dwarf Gourami

Add a splash of color up top with dwarf gouramis. Their vibrant blues and reds contrast nicely against dark gravel.
Just don’t mix these slow-moving fish with rowdy tankmates.
Killifish

Killifish bring drama! Their elongated fins and shimmering colors make them entrancing to watch.
Go for a medium-sized variety like Golden Wonder Killifish. They’ll add excitement without overwhelming your platies.
Bringing it All Together
When creating your platy paradise, remember these key tips:
- Research any fish before purchasing
- Select peaceful species appropriate for your tank’s size
- Stick to compatible water parameters
- Give aggressive fish a wide berth
- Provide ample plants and hiding spots
Take your time introducing new fish and making adjustments. Patience is key to a thriving community tank!
You can create a dynamic and gorgeous underwater ecosystem by mixing compatible bottom feeders, foragers, schoolers, and top dwellers.
Feel free to hit me up if you have any other questions along the way.
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