Can pea puffers live with peacock cichlids?
Verdict
No
No. Pea puffers and peacock cichlids should not share a tank. At 6 inches a peacock cichlid can swallow a 1-inch pea puffer whole.
What to watch
- Deal breakerAt 6 inches a peacock cichlid can swallow a 1-inch pea puffer whole.
- Watch outPea puffers are aggressive. Peacock cichlids hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.
What works
- Both are fine at 76–82°F.
- pH 7.8–8 suits both.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Pea puffer | Peacock cichlid | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74–82 °F | 76–82 °F |
| pH | 7–8 | 7.8–8.6 |
| Adult size | 1.0 in | 6.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 5 gal | 55 gal |
| Temperament | Aggressive | Semi-aggressive |
| Swims at | All levels | Middle |
| Group | Alone or in pairs | Groups of 4+ |
| Diet | Carnivore | Carnivore |
Better tank mates for pea puffers
Better tank mates for peacock cichlids
MollyYes
Electric yellow cichlidYes
Firemouth cichlidYes
Blue gouramiYes
OscarYes
Chinese algae eaterYes
All peacock cichlid tank mates
Questions
Can pea puffers live with peacock cichlids?
No. Pea puffers and peacock cichlids should not share a tank. At 6 inches a peacock cichlid can swallow a 1-inch pea puffer whole.
What temperature suits both pea puffers and peacock cichlids?
76–82 °F. Pea puffers need 74–82 °F, peacock cichlids need 76–82 °F.
What size tank do pea puffers and peacock cichlids need together?
At least 55 gal, set by the peacock cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.