TankmateChecker

Can platies live with severums?

Verdict

Yes, with care

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

Platy

Platy70–80°F · pH 7–8.2

Severum

Severum74–84°F · pH 6–7

What to watch

Watch outWater chemistry is a squeeze. The only pH that suits both is around 7.

What works

Both are fine at 74–80°F.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

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

	Platy	Severum
Temperature	70–80 °F	74–84 °F
pH	7–8.2	6–7
Adult size	2.5 in	8.0 in
Minimum tank	10 gal	55 gal
Temperament	Peaceful	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	Middle	Middle
Group	Groups of 3+	Alone or in pairs
Diet	Omnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for platies

All platy tank mates

Better tank mates for severums

All severum tank mates

Questions

Can platies live with severums?

Yes, with care. Platies and severums 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 platies and severums?

74–80 °F. Platies need 70–80 °F, severums need 74–84 °F.

What size tank do platies and severums need together?

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