Can rainbow sharks live with platies?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Rainbow sharks and platies make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–80°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

Rainbow sharkRainbow shark72–80°F · pH 6.5–7.5 PlatyPlaty70–80°F · pH 7–8.2

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–80°Rainbow shark 72–80°Platy 70–80°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 7–7.5Rainbow shark 6.5–7.5Platy 7–8.2
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Rainbow shark · 6 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

Rainbow sharkPlaty
Temperature72–80 °F70–80 °F
pH6.5–7.57–8.2
Adult size6.0 in2.5 in
Minimum tank55 gal10 gal
TemperamentSemi-aggressivePeaceful
Swims atBottomMiddle
GroupOne per tankGroups of 3+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for rainbow sharks

All rainbow shark tank mates

Better tank mates for platies

All platy tank mates

Questions

Can rainbow sharks live with platies?

Yes. Rainbow sharks and platies make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–80°F. Plan on at least 55 gal.

What temperature suits both rainbow sharks and platies?

72–80 °F. Rainbow sharks need 72–80 °F, platies need 70–80 °F.

What size tank do rainbow sharks and platies need together?

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