Can Variatus Platy live with Tiger Shrimp?
Caution — with care
Why
- Only a narrow pH overlap — keep both around 7–7.2.
- Variatus Platy leaves adult Tiger Shrimp alone but eats the babies — the colony survives with plenty of cover.
- No overlapping water hardness: Variatus Platy wants 10–25 dGH but Tiger Shrimp wants 3–8 dGH.
Sweet spot: both do well at 68–77°F and pH 7–7.2 — aim there.
Side-by-side
| Variatus Platy | Tiger Shrimp | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 65–77°F | 68–77°F |
| pH | 7–8.2 | 6.2–7.2 |
| Hardness (GH) | 10–25 dGH | 3–8 dGH |
| Adult size | 2.75" | 1" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 15 gal | 5 gal |
Together, plan on at least 15 gallons.
How to make it work
- Target the overlapping water-parameter range and acclimate slowly.
- Keep a large, established shrimp colony in a heavily planted tank with moss and cover so enough survive to breed.
Sort it with: GH remineraliser → Aquarium Co-Op
Where to buy
- Variatus Platy: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Tiger Shrimp: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Build a full tank around this stocking →Everything compatible with Variatus Platy · …with Tiger Shrimp