Can pea puffers live with rosy barbs?

Verdict

Yes, with care

Yes, with care. Pea puffers and rosy barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. Pea puffers are aggressive. Rosy barbs hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

Pea puffer74–82°F · pH 7–8

Rosy barb64–77°F · pH 6–7.5

What to watch

Watch outPea puffers are aggressive. Rosy barbs hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

What works

Both are fine at 74–77°F.
pH 7–7.5 suits both.

Water side by side

The green band is the temperature range both can live in.

The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

	Pea puffer	Rosy barb
Temperature	74–82 °F	64–77 °F
pH	7–8	6–7.5
Adult size	1.0 in	4.0 in
Minimum tank	5 gal	30 gal
Temperament	Aggressive	Semi-aggressive
Swims at	All levels	Middle
Group	Alone or in pairs	Groups of 6+
Diet	Carnivore	Omnivore

Better tank mates for pea puffers

CrayfishYes

All pea puffer tank mates

Better tank mates for rosy barbs

All rosy barb tank mates

Questions

Can pea puffers live with rosy barbs?

Yes, with care. Pea puffers and rosy barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. Pea puffers are aggressive. Rosy barbs hold their own only in a big tank with places to hide.

What temperature suits both pea puffers and rosy barbs?

74–77 °F. Pea puffers need 74–82 °F, rosy barbs need 64–77 °F.

What size tank do pea puffers and rosy barbs need together?

At least 30 gal, set by the rosy barb. Add space for each extra fish.