Can platies live with zebra plecos?

Verdict
Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Platies and zebra plecos can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 79–80°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.

PlatyPlaty70–80°F · pH 7–8.2 Zebra plecoZebra pleco79–88°F · pH 6–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 79–80°Platy 70–80°Zebra pleco 79–88°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7–7.5Platy 7–8.2Zebra pleco 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Platy · 2.5 inZebra pleco · 3.5 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

PlatyZebra pleco
Temperature70–80 °F79–88 °F
pH7–8.26–7.5
Adult size2.5 in3.5 in
Minimum tank10 gal30 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleBottom
GroupGroups of 3+Alone or in pairs
DietOmnivoreCarnivore

Better tank mates for platies

All platy tank mates

Better tank mates for zebra plecos

All zebra pleco tank mates

Questions

Can platies live with zebra plecos?

Yes, with care. Platies and zebra plecos can share a tank, but watch one thing. They only share 79–80°F. Keep the heater set there and steady.

What temperature suits both platies and zebra plecos?

79–80 °F. Platies need 70–80 °F, zebra plecos need 79–88 °F.

What size tank do platies and zebra plecos need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the zebra pleco. Add space for each extra fish.