Pea Puffer and Sterbai Cory Compatibility Overview
Pea Puffer and Sterbai Cory can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Pea Puffer is semi and Sterbai Cory is peaceful, so give them room and cover rather than assuming they will ignore each other. A minimum 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
| Factor | Pea Puffer | Sterbai Cory | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74โ82ยฐF | 75โ82ยฐF | โ 75โ82ยฐF |
| pH Range | 7.0โ8.0 | 6.0โ7.6 | โ ๏ธ 7.0โ7.6 (narrow) |
| Temperament | semi | peaceful | โ ๏ธ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 1 in | 2.6 in | โ ๏ธ 2.6ร difference |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 6+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 20 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Caution Points
Species Profiles
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.
โ Full Pea Puffer care guide
Sterbai Cory โ Corydoras sterbai
The Sterbai Cory, known for its dark brown coloration with silver spots, is a popular bottom-dwelling fish. With a peaceful temperament, it is well-suited for community tanks. It requires a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and moderate water flow. Regular water changes and a balanced diet are essential for their health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pea Puffer live with Sterbai Cory?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Pea Puffer and Sterbai Cory can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Pea Puffer is semi and Sterbai Cory is peaceful, so give them room and cover rather than assuming they will ignore each other. A minimum 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
What tank size do I need for Pea Puffer and Sterbai Cory together?
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for keeping Pea Puffer and Sterbai Cory together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Pea Puffer and Sterbai Cory?
75โ82ยฐF โ inside Pea Puffer's 74โ82ยฐF and Sterbai Cory's 75โ82ยฐF.
Is a Pea Puffer aggressive toward a Sterbai Cory?
Pea Puffer is semi and Sterbai Cory is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Pea Puffer and Sterbai Cory
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 | 55 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |