Platy
A friendly livebearer that comes in many colors. Platys do well in community tanks, are generally hardy, and are a nice choice for beginners who can manage water quality and stocking.
tankSize
40L (10 gal) minimum for a group
careLevel
Beginner
temperature
22 to 26C
temperament
Peaceful
diet
Flakes or pellets plus occasional vegetable-based foods
lifespan
3 to 5 years
aloneOrCommunity
Community (best in small groups)
weeklyMaintenance
Partial water changes and basic cleaning
Best for
- Beginner community tanks
- Families who want colorful, friendly fish
- Owners who want easy-to-feed fish
- People who enjoy watching group behavior
Not ideal for
- Very small tanks with unstable water
- People who do not want baby fish (they can breed)
- Tanks with aggressive fish
- Owners who cannot keep up with weekly water changes
Temperament
- Social and peaceful
- Active without being overly pushy
- Often does best with a small group
Daily routine
feeding: Feed once or twice daily. Do not overfeed.
check: Daily check of appetite and activity.
enrichment: Plants and open swimming space help reduce stress.
Living fit
smallHome: Works well with a properly sized, stable tank.
kids: Great for learning simple routines like feeding and weekly water changes.
firstTimeOwner: Often a reliable first community fish.
Health notes
- Stable water and good diet are key for long-term health.
- Avoid overcrowding and keep nitrate levels controlled.
- Quarantine new fish when possible.
Cost and time
time: Low daily time with weekly maintenance.
cost: Moderate setup. Ongoing costs are low.
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