Choosing the right tankmates can be the difference between a peaceful aquarium and one filled with stress and conflict. Platies are friendly, peaceful, and colourful fish, making them an ideal addition to any tank. But, like any fish, they need the right companions to thrive. The good news is, with the right knowledge, you can easily choose the best tankmates for your platies. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Platy Fish Behaviour
Before adding any fish to your platy’s tank, it’s important to understand their behaviour and preferences. Platies are calm, sociable fish that usually get along well with most species. They are active swimmers, enjoy being in schools, and appreciate being kept in groups of at least three to help reduce stress. Additionally, platies are known to be livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young. For this reason, it’s essential to consider the temperament of your chosen tankmates.
Since platies are peaceful, they don’t tend to engage in aggressive behaviour unless provoked. But they can be vulnerable to larger, more aggressive fish, so it's essential to select tankmates that will not intimidate or harm them. When selecting the right companions, think about peaceful species that will complement their active and calm nature.
Ideal Tankmates for Platies: Fish That Share Similar Temperament
When choosing tankmates for platies, opt for fish that have a similar temperament. It’s important to avoid fish that are known to be aggressive or territorial. Here are some excellent choices that pair well with platies:
- Guppies: Known for their small size, lively colours, and gentle nature, guppies make an excellent match for platies. Both species are small and enjoy swimming in groups. Since they share similar water preferences, they are easy to maintain in the same tank.
- Neon Tetras: These fish are peaceful, small, and colourful, much like platies. They thrive in schools and are compatible with the calm nature of platies. With their striking blue and red colours, they also add vibrancy to your tank.
- Corydoras Catfish: Cory catfish are bottom dwellers, so they won’t compete for space with your platies. They are peaceful and spend most of their time foraging at the tank’s bottom. This makes them an excellent tankmate, as they won’t bother your platies but will still help keep the aquarium clean.
Fish to Avoid in a Platy Tank: The Aggressive Ones
While platies are generally peaceful, there are some species that should not be added to their tank. Certain fish are more aggressive and territorial and could pose a threat to your platies. These species tend to stress out their tankmates, potentially leading to aggression and injury.
- Betta Fish: Betta fish are known for their territorial nature. A male betta can become particularly aggressive towards any fish that enters his territory. Platies are small and could easily become the target of a betta's aggression.
- Cichlids: Many cichlid species are territorial and can be aggressive, especially during breeding periods. Their behaviour can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in your platy’s tank, causing stress and potential harm to your platies.
- Angelfish: While not overly aggressive, angelfish are territorial, especially when it comes to their breeding grounds. They may pick on smaller fish like platies, causing harm in the process.
Water Parameters: Keeping Things Comfortable for Everyone
All fish species require specific water conditions to thrive. Platies are hardy and can tolerate a range of water parameters, but they still prefer stable conditions. Ensure that the water in your tank is maintained at the right temperature (around 22°C to 28°C), and the pH is between 7.0 and 8.0. The water hardness should also be moderate (8-20 dGH). Fish that thrive in similar water conditions are ideal tankmates.
For a peaceful community tank, check the water parameters regularly. Any sudden changes can cause stress to your platies and their companions. When adding new fish, make sure they’re compatible with the water conditions in your tank.
Size and Tank Space: Room for Everyone
It’s important to choose tankmates that won’t overcrowd your tank. Overcrowding can lead to stress, poor water quality, and increased risk of disease. Ensure that your tank is spacious enough to accommodate all the fish you plan to keep.
Platies are small fish, typically growing up to 5 cm in length, so consider how much space each species needs. For example, species like guppies and neon tetras are also small and will not overcrowd the tank. However, larger fish like cichlids require more space to avoid creating territorial conflicts with your platies.
A good rule of thumb is to have about one inch of fish per gallon of water, but this can vary based on the fish species and their activity levels.
Fish with Similar Eating Habits
Platies are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet that includes both plant matter and protein. When choosing tankmates, look for species that have similar eating habits. Species like guppies, neon tetras, and Corydoras catfish all share similar dietary needs and will not compete for food. This helps maintain a peaceful, stress-free environment for all your fish.
Keep in mind that you should feed your platies a balanced diet to keep them healthy and vibrant. You can supplement their diet with flake food, live or frozen brine shrimp, and vegetables such as zucchini or spinach.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right tankmates for your platy fish doesn’t have to be difficult. By selecting peaceful, non-territorial fish that share similar water and dietary needs, you can create a harmonious and vibrant community tank. Keep an eye on the water parameters and avoid overcrowding to ensure that your fish live healthy and happy lives. Remember, creating the right environment for your platies benefits not only them but all their tankmates.
Contact Us at Go Fish Aquariums
Ready to add some colourful new platies to your tank? Visit our stockists to explore a wide range of beautiful, healthy fish to pair with your platies. Our stockists offer everything you need to create the perfect tank setup for your fish. Don’t wait—check them out today and get started on building the perfect aquarium for your platies and their new friends!