20 Pea Puffer Tank Mates
Find the perfect tank mates for your pea puffer! Selecting the right companions can be crucial to maintain a harmonious aquatic environment for these tiny creatures. In this article, we’ll dive into 20 potential tank mates that can live peacefully alongside your pea puffer.
Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish, also known as “Otocinclus” or “Oto,” are small, peaceful, and hardworking fish that make for perfect tank mates for your Pea Puffer. They help keep your tank clean by feeding on algae and other leftover foods.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) and above
- Temperature Range: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Herbivore, mainly feeds on algae and biofilms, supplement with algae wafers or blanched vegetables
- Adult Size: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm)
These active little fish are fast swimmers and do well in a larger tank with plenty of hiding spots. Ensure you have a well-oxygenated tank with good filtration to keep them happy and healthy.
Neon Tetras
Neon Tetras are beautiful little fish that add a touch of vibrancy to your aquarium. Their striking colors and peaceful nature make them great companions for your pea puffers. They are community fish that prefer to be in groups, so it is recommended to keep at least six Neon Tetras together.
- Compatibility: 3.5/5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) or larger
- Temperature Range: 72-80°F (22-27°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; they enjoy a mix of live, frozen, and good quality flake foods
- Adult Size: 1.2 inches (3 cm)
Just remember to provide them with hiding places such as plants or rock caves and maintain the water conditions optimal for both species, and your Neon Tetras will make great tank mates for your pea puffers.
Ember Tetras
Ember Tetras, scientifically known as Hyphessobrycon amandae, are a fascinating and beautiful fish species, making them a popular choice among aquarium hobbyists. They are small and brilliantly colored, with their bright orange hue distinguishing them from other fish.
- Compatibility: 4.5 out of 5
- Tank Size: 10 gal (38 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 68-82°F (20-28°C)
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful and schooling
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, include dry and live/frozen foods
- Adult Size: 0.8 inch (2 cm)
These tiny and peaceful fish are well-suited for community tanks, easily coexisting with other peaceful tank mates like the pea puffer. As schooling fish, a group of at least 8-10 Ember Tetras is recommended to keep them happy and healthy. Their distinct coloration and active behavior make them an excellent choice for adding interest and vibrancy to your aquarium.
Cardinal Tetras
Cardinal Tetras are vibrant, small fish that can liven up your pea puffer tank with their bright-red and deep-blue colors. They are active swimmers and prefer to be in schools, so make sure to have at least six to twelve of them together.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 15 gallons (56 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 73°F – 81°F (23°C – 27°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore (flake food, brine shrimp, daphnia)
- Adult Size: up to 2 inches (5cm)
Cardinal tetras appreciate highly planted aquariums and calm waters. You can try to introduce Cardinal Tetras to your pea puffers after they have acclimated in the tank for some time.
Zebra Danios
Zebra Danios are lively and decorative additions to a pea puffer tank. Their bold stripes give them their distinct name, and their peaceful temperament makes them excellent tank mates. Zebra Danios are hardy and adaptable, which makes maintaining their environment quite easy for any aquarist.
- Compatibility: 4.5/5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 64-74°F (18-24°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; pellets, flakes, and live foods
- Adult Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
Remember that while Zebra Danios are generally compatible with pea puffers, it’s always best to monitor the tank environment to ensure peaceful cohabitation.
Harlequin Rasboras
Harlequin Rasboras are a popular and peaceful choice for adding a splash of color to your pea puffer tank. These shimmering, orange-red fish with a metallic hue and black triangle shape on their side get along well with pea puffers, contributing to a lively and harmonious aquarium.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 10 gal (38 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 72-81°F (22-27°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; will accept a variety of foods like flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm)
Given their peaceful nature and manageable size, Harlequin Rasboras make excellent tank mates for pea puffers. Just be sure to provide adequate hiding spots and maintain good water quality for these captivating companions to thrive.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish, also known as Cory Cats, are small, peaceful, and active bottom-dwellers that make excellent tank mates for your pea puffer. They come in many different species, with some having unique colors and patterns.
They keep the tank clean by scavenging for leftover food and debris on the substrate, which makes them a practical and appealing addition to your puffer’s tank.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters) and above
- Temperature Range: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful, social, and active
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; prefers sinking pellets, live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) depending on the species
Remember to provide plenty of hiding spaces, such as caves and plants, for your Corydoras Catfish, as they like to rest and hide when they are not scavenging. They also thrive in groups of six or more.
Celestial Pearl Danios
Celestial Pearl Danios are an exotic and colorful fish species that can make an excellent tank mate for your pea puffer. They are native to small ponds and slow-moving streams in Southeast Asia. These small yet vibrant fish display a breathtaking and mesmerizing patterning that adds beauty to any aquarium.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (37.9 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 73 – 79°F (23 – 26°C)
- Care Level: Easy to Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; they thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake food, live, and frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia.
- Adult Size: Up to 1 inch (2.5 cm)
These aquatic buddies are generally peaceful and can easily coexist with your pea puffer. Just make sure they have plenty of hiding spots and areas to explore, ensuring that they’ll feel right at home in your shared tank.
Bumblebee Gobies
Bumblebee Gobies are small, unique fish that can make a great addition to your pea puffer tank mates. Their striking black and yellow stripes resemble those of bumblebees, hence the name. They can liven up your aquarium with a burst of color and activity.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 10 gal (38 L) minimum
- Temperature Range: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful but territorial
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous, enjoys live and frozen foods, like brine shrimp and bloodworms
- Adult Size: Up to 1.5 inches (4 cm)
Despite being territorial, Bumblebee Gobies can coexist with your pea puffers as long as the tank has enough hiding spots and plants to create separate territories. Monitor them closely to ensure harmony within your aquatic community.
Clown Plecos
Clown Plecos are an attractive addition to your Pea Puffer tank due to their stunning colors and patterns. As a relatively small and peaceful fish, they make excellent tankmates for Pea Puffers. These bottom-dwellers like to spend their time grazing on algae and other organic materials on driftwood and hiding spots.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Temperature Range: 72-86°F (22-30°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Primarily herbivorous, enjoying algae wafers and blanched vegetables, but will also accept some proteins
- Adult Size: Up to 3.5 inches (9 cm)
Remember to provide plenty of hiding spots like driftwood, caves, or plants for your Clown Plecos to feel right at home and maintain tank cleanliness to ensure their health and happiness.
Kuhli Loaches
Kuhli Loaches are fascinating fish species that are often sought after due to their unique appearance and compatibility with various tank mates. They are known for their snake-like appearance and peaceful nature, making them perfect for a pea puffer tank.
- Compatibility: 4/5
- Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 liters)
- Temperature Range: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; high-quality sinking pellets, frozen/live food, or plant-based food
- Adult Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
These fascinating fish make good tank mates for pea puffers due to their peaceful nature. They prefer a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and a soft sand substrate for burrowing.
Keep in mind to maintain proper water parameters to keep your Kuhli Loaches healthy and comfortable in their environment. They are a nocturnal species, so do not be surprised if they are more active during the night when the tank lights are switched off.
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Threadfin Rainbowfish (Iriatherina werneri) make an excellent tank mate for Pea Puffers. These beautiful, peaceful fish add a splash of color to your aquarium and hailing from Australia and New Guinea.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 15 gal (57 l)
- Temperature Range: 75-84°F (24-29°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful, Schooling Fish
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore; flake food, live food or frozen food
- Adult Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
These schooling fish appreciate a well-planted tank with slow to moderate water flow. Perfectly suited for a community aquarium setting, they won’t pester your Pea Puffers if given enough space and hiding spots. Just remember, they thrive in a peaceful environment with companions that won’t nip their beautiful fins.
Glass Catfish
The Glass Catfish is a fascinating and unique addition to your pea puffer tank. Their transparent bodies give them an almost ghostly appearance that can be quite enchanting. But before considering the Glass Catfish as a tank mate, it’s crucial to know some essential details:
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 20 gal (75 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 72-78°F (22-25.5°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; accepts a variety of foods, such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried options
- Adult Size: 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm)
The Glass Catfish can be an appropriate tank mate for pea puffers, but you should keep an eye on their fins, as puffers may nip at them. These fish are known to be gentle and docile, making them a good fit for the pea puffer’s easy-going nature. Remember to keep their tank clean and well-maintained, as they can be sensitive to changes in water quality.
Yoyo Loach
Say hello to the Yoyo Loach, a small, adaptable, and visually striking fish that can make a great tank mate for your pea puffer. Belonging to the Botia family, the Yoyo Loach got its name from the unique markings on its body which resemble the letters “Y-O.”
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters)
- Temperature Range: 75-86°F (24-30°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivore
- Adult Size: 2.5 inches (6.35 cm)
Yoyo Loaches thrive in a tank with plenty of hiding spaces, such as rocks, caves, and driftwood. They also appreciate a bit of current in the water. Yoyo Loaches are relatively peaceful and get along with most other species, including your pea puffer.
However, this compatibility does not mean they are pushovers – they can hold their own when needed. They enjoy a varied diet of both meaty and plant-based foods, with live or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, and vegetables being among their favorite meals.
With a little bit of care and attention, a Yoyo Loach can be a delightful addition to your pea puffer’s underwater universe.
Hatchetfish
Hatchetfish are fascinating little creatures with a unique, hatchet-shaped body that allows them to swim at the water’s surface. They are known for their ability to leap out of the water, so it is essential to have a tightly secured lid on your pea puffer tank.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 15 gallons (57 liters) and up
- Temperature Range: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Carnivorous, will readily consume insects, daphnia, and brine shrimp
- Adult Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6.5 cm)
Hatchetfish can be a bit skittish, but they generally get along well with pea puffers and other peaceful tank mates. Their unique looks and interesting swimming habits make them an intriguing addition to your aquarium.
Black Neon Tetra
Black Neon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) is a stunning and peaceful tropical fish that gets its name from its beautiful black and neon-colored stripes. This small, schooling fish is a perfect addition to a community tank, especially for pea puffers, as they share similar requirements. They prefer densely planted aquariums, which provide them with hiding spots and reduce stress.
- Compatibility: ３．５/5
- Tank Size: 10 gal (38 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 72-82 F (22-28 C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful, schooling fish
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, prefers small insects, dried food, and flakes
- Adult Size: 1.5 inches (4 cm)
It’s important to note that while Black Neon Tetras are generally compatible with pea puffers, the pea puffers may exhibit aggressiveness if they feel crowded. Ensure there is enough space for the fish to swim freely to minimize any issues.
Indian Glass Fish
Indian Glass Fish are stunning and unique aquarium additions due to their translucent bodies, allowing you to see their bones and organs. They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of six or more.
- Compatibility: 3 out of 5
- Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 72-82°F (22-28°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful, but may nip at long-finned tank mates
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; feeds on flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods
- Adult Size: Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm)
These fish require pristine water conditions, so it’s essential to maintain regular water changes and monitor water parameters. While mostly peaceful, they might occasionally nip at long-finned tank mates, so monitor their behavior regularly.
Sparkling Gourami
The Sparkling Gourami, also known as the Pygmy Gourami, is a small, eye-catching freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. Its stunning iridescent coloration makes it an attractive addition to any nano or community tank.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 72-81°F (22-27°C)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful, shy
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous; accepts a variety of live, frozen, and high-quality pellet or flake foods
- Adult Size: Up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
This timid and delicate species prefers well-planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots, and will thrive in calm environments with clean, moderately-soft water.
The Sparkling Gourami can coexist with similar-sized, peaceful fish, but care must be taken to avoid housing them with aggressive or overly-active tank mates that might outcompete them for food or territory.
Endler’s Livebearer
Endler’s Livebearer is an attractive and hardy fish species that can be an excellent addition to your pea puffer tank. These fish are known for their vibrant colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts.
- Compatibility: 4 out of 5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 72 – 78°F (22 – 25°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, will consume flake food, micro pellets, shrimp, and algae
- Adult Size: Up to 1.18 inches (3 cm)
Endler’s Livebearer is considered a peaceful community fish, meaning that they would coexist well with your pea puffers in a tank. Due to their small size and non-aggressive nature, they should have minimal territorial conflicts with the puffers.
As long as you provide them with a healthy and well-maintained environment, Endler’s Livebearers will be a fantastic addition to your pea puffer tank.
Guppies
Guppies are colorful, lively, and fun to watch, making them a popular choice for pea puffer tank mates. These small and active fish can easily coexist with pea puffers, provided they are given enough space to explore and establish their territories.
- Compatibility: 3/5
- Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 liters) minimum
- Temperature Range: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
- Care Level: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Diet & Feeding: Omnivorous, requires a varied diet of flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods
- Adult Size: 2 inches (5 cm)
Guppies are known for their vibrant colors and patterns, adding a splash of beauty to your aquarium. Ensure a well-balanced environment by offering plenty of hiding places, live plants, and a gentle water current to help keep your pea puffers and guppies happy and healthy.
Conclusion
There are numerous tank mates that can successfully coexist with pea puffers in a peaceful and thriving aquarium. Remember to carefully research and consider each species’ compatibility, temperament, and environmental needs before introducing them to your tank.
If you have any experience with pea puffer tank mates or any other suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment!
