Can african cichlids live with platies?

Verdict
No

No. African cichlids and platies should not share a tank. African cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful platies.

African cichlidAfrican cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6 PlatyPlaty70–80°F · pH 7–8.2

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–80°African cichlid 75–82°Platy 70–80°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7.8–8.2African cichlid 7.8–8.6Platy 7–8.2
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

African cichlid · 5 inPlaty · 2.5 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

African cichlidPlaty
Temperature75–82 °F70–80 °F
pH7.8–8.67–8.2
Adult size5.0 in2.5 in
Minimum tank55 gal10 gal
TemperamentAggressivePeaceful
Swims atAll levelsMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 3+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for african cichlids

All african cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for platies

All platy tank mates

Questions

Can african cichlids live with platies?

No. African cichlids and platies should not share a tank. African cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful platies.

What temperature suits both african cichlids and platies?

75–80 °F. African cichlids need 75–82 °F, platies need 70–80 °F.

What size tank do african cichlids and platies need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the african cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.