Can platies live with gold barbs?

Verdict
Yes

Yes, platies and gold barbs can live together. Both are fine at 70–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

PlatyPlaty70–80°F · pH 7–8.2 Gold barbGold barb64–75°F · pH 6–8

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 70–75°Platy 70–80°Gold barb 64–75°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7–8Platy 7–8.2Gold barb 6–8
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Platy · 2.5 inGold barb · 3 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

PlatyGold barb
Temperature70–80 °F64–75 °F
pH7–8.26–8
Adult size2.5 in3.0 in
Minimum tank10 gal20 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 3+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for platies

All platy tank mates

Better tank mates for gold barbs

All gold barb tank mates

Questions

Can platies live with gold barbs?

Yes, platies and gold barbs can live together. Both are fine at 70–75°F. Plan on at least 20 gal.

What temperature suits both platies and gold barbs?

70–75 °F. Platies need 70–80 °F, gold barbs need 64–75 °F.

What size tank do platies and gold barbs need together?

At least 20 gal, set by the gold barb. Add space for each extra fish.