Can neon tetras live with platies?

Verdict
Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Neon tetras and platies can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

Neon tetraNeon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7 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: 72–79°Neon tetra 72–79°Platy 70–80°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7Neon tetra 6–7Platy 7–8.2
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Neon tetra · 1.5 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

Neon tetraPlaty
Temperature72–79 °F70–80 °F
pH6–77–8.2
Adult size1.5 in2.5 in
Minimum tank10 gal10 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 3+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for platies

All platy tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with platies?

Yes, with care. Neon tetras and platies can share a tank, but watch one thing. Water chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and platies?

72–79 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, platies need 70–80 °F.

What size tank do neon tetras and platies need together?

At least 10 gal, set by the neon tetra. Add space for each extra fish.