Can axolotls live with pea puffers?
Verdict
No
No. Axolotls and pea puffers should not share a tank. Axolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); pea puffers need 74–82°F. No temperature suits both.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAxolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); pea puffers need 74–82°F. No temperature suits both.
- Deal breakerAt 10 inches an axolotl can swallow a 1-inch pea puffer whole.
- Deal breakerFish nibble at axolotl gills, and axolotls swallow small fish. Keep axolotls on their own.
- Watch outPea puffers nip at slow fish. Axolotls cannot get away.
What works
- pH 7–8 suits both.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Axolotl | Pea puffer | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 60–66 °F | 74–82 °F |
| pH | 6.5–8 | 7–8 |
| Adult size | 10.0 in | 1.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 20 gal | 5 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Aggressive |
| Swims at | Bottom | All levels |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Alone or in pairs |
| Diet | Carnivore | Carnivore |
Better tank mates for pea puffers
Questions
Can axolotls live with pea puffers?
No. Axolotls and pea puffers should not share a tank. Axolotls are coldwater animals (60–66°F); pea puffers need 74–82°F. No temperature suits both.
What temperature suits both axolotls and pea puffers?
None. Axolotls need 60–66 °F and pea puffers need 74–82 °F, so the ranges do not meet.
What size tank do axolotls and pea puffers need together?
At least 20 gal, set by the axolotl. Add space for each extra fish.