Single platy

Heya. So, I can't find out, are platy's community fish? Or would I be ok getting a single platy? I have an empty one gallon tank that I am thinking of putting a platy in. any other suggestions for that tank? I know, I'm pretty limited in it... (ps. the heartier the fish, the better. I'm doing this for a girl that keeps losing fish...)

 

Platys can be left with only one, I have only one platy and he is doing great. They could be kept in groups if you wish to breed them.
Tom

 

Yeah, they could be kept solo, but they would be happier with more.

 

I'd usually say 3 or more, but in a 1 gallon tank, even just 1 platy will need a lot of maint. to keep the water good.

 

He can survive but will be much happier with more, probably won't be too active by himself; do you have breed any fish? 1 Gallon tank would be perfect for fry (especially platy fry) until they grow larger

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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 5 gallon 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.

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?

 

Hi!

A platy OR a cory couldn't live in a 5gal - let alone without friends!
Really - the only fish you can keep in there happily is a Betta - but shrimp and snail would work - to.