Guppy and Pea Puffer Compatibility Overview
Short answer: No. Pea puffers will aggressively nip guppy fins. Keep them in separate tanks, or pick one of the safer tank mates listed below.
Guppy and Pea Puffer are generally not recommended to be housed together. Pea puffers will aggressively nip guppy fins. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Guppy | Pea Puffer | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72โ82ยฐF | 74โ82ยฐF | โ 74โ82ยฐF |
| pH Range | 6.8โ8.5 | 7.0โ8.0 | โ 7.0โ8.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi | โ ๏ธ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 2.5 in | 1 in | โ ๏ธ 2.5ร difference |
| Min. Group | 3+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 20 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Guppy โ Poecilia reticulata
Hardy and colourful livebearers. Males' long flowing tails make them targets for fin-nipping species. Very prolific breeders.
Pea Puffer โ Carinotetraodon travancoricus
World's smallest pufferfish โ intensely territorial and nippy despite tiny size. Will attack fins and eat shrimp and snails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Guppy live with Pea Puffer?
Generally not recommended. Guppy and Pea Puffer are generally not recommended to be housed together. Pea puffers will aggressively nip guppy fins. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Guppy and Pea Puffer together?
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for keeping Guppy and Pea Puffer together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Guppy and Pea Puffer?
74โ82ยฐF โ inside Guppy's 72โ82ยฐF and Pea Puffer's 74โ82ยฐF.
Is a Guppy aggressive toward a Pea Puffer?
Pea puffers will aggressively nip guppy fins.
Safer Tank Mates for Guppy and Pea Puffer
The highest-scoring compatible partners for each species in our compatibility data.
For Guppy
- Molly โ 96/100
- Neon Rainbowfish โ 96/100
- Clown Pleco โ 95/100
- Pearl Danio โ 93/100
- Zebra Danio โ 93/100
For Pea Puffer
- Threadfin Rainbowfish โ 90/100
- Zebra Danio โ 85/100
- Black Neon Tetra โ 83/100
- Glowlight Tetra โ 83/100
- Lemon Tetra โ 83/100
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Guppy and Pea Puffer
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 20 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 29 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 40 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |