Can Platy Live With Black Skirt Tetra?
Platy and Black Skirt Tetra are compatible. Temperature overlap 70–80°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Platy | Black Skirt Tetra | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–80°F | 70–82°F | 70–80°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7–8.2 | 6–7.5 | 7–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 2.5" | 3" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 15 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | beginner | — |
Tank Requirements for Platy + Black Skirt Tetra
To keep Platy and Black Skirt Tetra together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. Platy should be kept in a school of 3+. Black Skirt Tetra should be kept in a school of 6+. Provide adequate filtration, stable temperature with a heater, and hiding spots to reduce stress.
Species Profiles
Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
Platies are colorful, hardy livebearers that come in dozens of color varieties. They are extremely easy to care for, breed readily, and get along with virtually all peaceful community fish. Perfect for beginners.
Full care guide →Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Black skirt tetras (also sold as black widow tetras) are hardy, easy-to-care-for schooling fish with a distinctive flowing black anal fin that gives them their name. They come in natural silver-and-black and various dyed/modified versions (GloFish). The natural form is the healthiest choice. They can be mild fin nippers in small groups but are generally well-behaved community fish.
Full care guide →