Can platies live with flowerhorns?
Verdict
No
No. Platies and flowerhorns should not share a tank. An adult flowerhorn eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2.5 inches platies do.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAn adult flowerhorn eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2.5 inches platies do.
- Deal breakerFlowerhorns are aggressive and will bully peaceful platies.
- Watch outThey only share 80°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.
- Watch outFlowerhorns grow to 12 inches and need 75 gallons, far more than a tank set up for platies.
What works
- pH 7–8 suits both.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Platy | Flowerhorn | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–80 °F | 80–89 °F |
| pH | 7–8.2 | 7–8 |
| Adult size | 2.5 in | 12.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 10 gal | 75 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Aggressive |
| Swims at | Middle | Middle |
| Group | Groups of 3+ | One per tank |
| Diet | Omnivore | Carnivore |
Better tank mates for platies
Questions
Can platies live with flowerhorns?
No. Platies and flowerhorns should not share a tank. An adult flowerhorn eats fish that fit in its mouth, and at 2.5 inches platies do.
What temperature suits both platies and flowerhorns?
80–80 °F. Platies need 70–80 °F, flowerhorns need 80–89 °F.
What size tank do platies and flowerhorns need together?
At least 75 gal, set by the flowerhorn. Add space for each extra fish.