About the Pea Puffer
Name: Pea Puffer
Max Size: Pea Puffers are small fish that reach a maximum size of around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length.
Recommend pH: 6.5-7.5
Recommended Temperature (Β°F): 75-82Β°F (24-28Β°C)
Diet: Pea Puffers are carnivorous and primarily feed on small invertebrates in the wild. In a home aquarium, they can be fed a diet consisting of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and small crustaceans. Some may also accept high-quality frozen or freeze-dried foods. It's important to provide a varied diet to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
Temperament: Pea Puffers have a somewhat aggressive temperament. While they are small, they can be territorial and may exhibit aggressive behavior towards other fish, especially if they are perceived as a threat or competition. It's generally recommended to keep them in a species-only tank or with other small, robust fish that can handle their feisty nature.
Schooling or Non-Schooling Fish: Pea Puffers are non-schooling fish. They are generally solitary by nature and prefer to establish their own territory. It's best to provide them with their own space in the aquarium, or have 6+ to divide the aggression.Β
Possible types of tank mates: Due to their aggressive nature, Pea Puffers are best kept in a species-only tank. If you wish to keep them with other fish, choose tank mates that are known to be compatible and can withstand their territorial behavior. Some suitable tank mates include small, fast-moving species like White Cloud Minnows, Ember Tetras, or Danios. Avoid keeping them with slow-moving or long-finned fish that may become targets for their aggression.
Behavior: Pea Puffers are active and curious fish that spend their time exploring their environment. They are known for their amusing and quirky behaviors, such as puffing up their bodies when threatened or during courtship displays. They are excellent hunters and will actively search for small prey, using their sharp beak-like mouths to capture and consume their food. They also have an interesting ability to change their coloration, often displaying darker or lighter patterns depending on their mood or surroundings.
Fun Fact: Pea Puffers are fascinating fish with unique personalities. Despite their small size, they are known for their intelligence and can recognize their owners over time. They have a voracious appetite and enjoy the challenge of hunting for their food. Keeping Pea Puffers can be a rewarding experience for experienced aquarists looking for an engaging and interactive fish species.