Can Pea Puffer Live With Firemouth Cichlid?
❌Not Compatible
Pea Puffer is aggressive and will likely attack or stress tank mates.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Pea Puffer | Firemouth Cichlid | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–82°F | 75–86°F | 75–82°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7–8 | 6.5–8 | 7–8 ✓ |
| Temperament | aggressive | semi-aggressive | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 1" | 6" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| Min Tank Size | 5 gal | 30 gal | 30 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Carnivore | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | beginner | — |
Species Profiles
Pea Puffer
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
intermediateaggressive5+ gal
Pea puffers are the smallest freshwater pufferfish in the world, growing to just 1 inch. Despite their tiny size, they have big personalities — they are curious, intelligent, and surprisingly aggressive. They are best kept in species-only tanks and require live or frozen food.
Full care guide →Firemouth Cichlid
Thorichthys meeki
beginnersemi-aggressive30+ gal
Firemouth cichlids are one of the most beginner-friendly Central American cichlids. Named for their striking red/orange coloration on the throat and belly, they are less aggressive than most cichlids of their size. When threatened, they flare their gill covers to display their bright red throat — a bluffing display that is far more bark than bite.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For Pea Puffer:
For Firemouth Cichlid:
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