ErikZ

Can I have a single Platy in a tank or does it NEED to be in a group?

MissMTS

It would be happiest in a group. What other kind of fish do you have in your tank? If you put some swordtails with it, it should be okay because the species are related. I wouldn't put a Platy in a tank by itself though.

COBettaCouple

Platys do tend to be social and get lonely with just 1. At least 3 is good, since 2 results often in a 1-way pecking order.

ErikZ

Well, its only a 5 gal tank, so I was hoping to have just 1 platy and 1 cory catfish since i think 2 platys and a cory would be too much. Would the 2 and 1 be a better idea though?

MissMTS

I think that the 5 gallon tank is WAY to small for 2 platys and a cory catfish. I would look into a betta fish. That is just about the only fish that can go into a 5 gallon tank. Everything else needs at least 10 gallons in order to have enough swimming room.

COBettaCouple

Both of those are social fish and should have more than 1, preferably at least 3-6. I wouldn't really recommend either for a 5g tank since the tank would have to be overstocked to house even 2 of each. Endlers, guppies, neons or other fish that only get to 1-1.5" would be the best fish for the tank, or a shrimp colony.

Blub