Can pea puffers live with convict cichlids?
Verdict
No
No. Pea puffers and convict cichlids should not share a tank. Both are aggressive, and convict cichlids are much bigger, so pea puffers lose.
What to watch
- Deal breakerBoth are aggressive, and convict cichlids are much bigger, so pea puffers lose.
- Watch outAt 5 inches a convict cichlid can swallow a small pea puffer. Fast, alert fish usually stay out of reach.
What works
- Both are fine at 74–82°F.
- pH 7–7.8 suits both.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Pea puffer | Convict cichlid | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–82 °F | 74–82 °F |
| pH | 7–8 | 6.6–7.8 |
| Adult size | 1.0 in | 5.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 5 gal | 30 gal |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Aggressive |
| Swims at | All levels | Bottom |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Alone or in pairs |
| Diet | Carnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for pea puffers
Better tank mates for convict cichlids
All convict cichlid tank mates
Questions
Can pea puffers live with convict cichlids?
No. Pea puffers and convict cichlids should not share a tank. Both are aggressive, and convict cichlids are much bigger, so pea puffers lose.
What temperature suits both pea puffers and convict cichlids?
74–82 °F. Pea puffers need 74–82 °F, convict cichlids need 74–82 °F.
What size tank do pea puffers and convict cichlids need together?
At least 30 gal, set by the convict cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.