Compatibility Overview
Pea Puffer and Peacock Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
| Factor | Pea Puffer | Peacock Cichlid | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–82°F | 75–81°F | ✅ 75–81°F |
| pH Range | 7.0–8.0 | 7.5–8.5 | ⚠️ 7.5–8.0 (narrow) |
| Temperament | semi | aggressive | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 1 in | 3.1 in | ⚠️ 3.1× difference |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 29 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Pea Puffer — Carinotetraodon travancoricus
World's smallest pufferfish — intensely territorial and nippy despite tiny size. Will attack fins and eat shrimp and snails.
Peacock Cichlid — Aquarium species
The Peacock Cichlid, Aulonocara nyassae, is a stunning fish with vibrant blue and yellow colors. These fish are known for their aggression and require a mature and well-maintained tank. They are best kept in pairs or in a species-specific tank. Careful attention must be given to water parameters and tank setup to ensure their health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pea Puffer live with Peacock Cichlid?
Generally not recommended. Pea Puffer and Peacock Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
What tank size do I need for Pea Puffer and Peacock Cichlid together?
A minimum of 29 gallons is recommended for keeping Pea Puffer and Peacock Cichlid together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Pea Puffer and Peacock Cichlid?
75–81°F
Is a Pea Puffer aggressive toward a Peacock Cichlid?
Pea Puffer is semi and Peacock Cichlid is aggressive. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Compatibility score breakdown
The overall score is weighted across water chemistry, behavior, adult size, swimming zone, and social needs. A score is a planning aid—not a guarantee for individual fish.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 100/100 |
| Ph | 50/100 |
| Temperament | 25/100 |
| Adult Size | 38/100 |
| Swim Zone | 68/100 |
| Social Needs | 92/100 |
Tank size scenarios
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 29 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 40 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 55 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |