Pea puffers, also known as dwarf puffers or pygmy puffers, are small freshwater fish that have recently grown in popularity in the aquarium hobby. Their small size, unique appearance, and interactive behaviors make them interesting additions to planted tanks. However, pea puffers are aggressive toward each other, so keeping more than one in the same tank can be challenging.
Quick answers
– Pea puffers are territorial and aggressive toward other pea puffers
– Male pea puffers cannot be housed together – they will fight relentlessly
– Female pea puffers may be able to coexist but fighting is still common
– Keeping 2 peas puffers together requires an exceptionally large tank (50+ gallons)
– Pea puffers do best singly or in male-female pairs
– Close monitoring and backup tanks are needed when attempting to co-house pea puffers
Can male pea puffers live together?
Male pea puffers cannot be housed together in nearly all cases – they are simply too aggressive toward one another. As solitary and territorial fish, male dwarf puffers will become extremely combative when kept together in a confined space. Frequent fighting, fin nipping, and bullying is inevitable in a shared tank.
Even a very large aquarium does not eliminate the risk of persistent attacks between male pufferfish. The only exception may be a massive tank exceeding 100+ gallons with dense vegetation and ample broken sight lines. But even then, the male puffers would need exceedingly docile personalities to coexist for any prolonged period of time. The chances of finding multiples males with that temperament is highly unlikely.
Therefore, male pea puffers are best kept one per tank. Some aquarists have had success keeping a single male with multiple females, but multiple males should never be housed together for their health and safety.
Signs of aggression
If male pea puffers are forced to share an aquarium, they will almost always show signs of aggression and fighting:
- Chasing and nipping
- Ripped fins or chunks taken out of tails
- Repetitive flashing/ramming against one another
- One fish hiding while the other swims actively
- Loss of color/appetite in the more submissive fish
These behaviors and effects of fighting may be subtle at first but can escalate over time as the dominant male becomes more controlling and aggressive. To avoid injury, stress, or death, male dwarf puffers showing any indications of hostility and combat should be separated immediately.
Can female pea puffers coexist?
Female pea puffers have a slightly better chance of coexisting peacefully in the same tank compared to males. This is because females tend to be less territorial and aggressive. However, peaceful cohabitation is still unlikely in most cases.
Females may tolerate each other and get along, at least temporarily, if provided with the following aquarium conditions:
- Large tank size – 50+ gallons recommended
- Dense vegetation and decor to break up sight lines
- Plenty of hiding spots and retreats
- Groups of 3 or more females
- Lots of food resources
- Frequently rearranged decor to disrupt territories
However, maintaining a harmonious sorority tank long-term is difficult. The pufferfish are likely to become territorial and aggressive at some point, requiring separation. Female dwarf puffers may seem peaceful at first, only to become combative weeks or months down the road. Their temperament can change quickly.
Any signs of nipping, chasing, or decreased appetite signal it is time to isolate the females. Usual signs of stress and fighting include:
- Nipped tails/fins
- Skittishness/hiding
- Loss of color
- Decreased appetite
- Ramming/lip-locking
- One fish staying close to the surface
A backup tank is essential when attempting to co-house female pea puffers in case aggression arises. Even in ideal conditions, a harmonious sorority is far from guaranteed with this species. Isolation may eventually be necessary.
Ideal tank size
If you want to attempt keeping 2 pea puffers together, whether 2 females or a male-female pair, the aquarium needs to be exceptionally large. This allows plenty of personal space and reduces territorial disputes.
The minimum tank size recommended for a pair of pea puffers is 50 gallons. This provides ample room for each fish to establish its own domain and retreat if needed. Provide lots of plants, caves, driftwood, and other sight breaks as well.
For a group of 3-5 female puffers, aim for at least 75 gallons. Over 100 gallons is best for a pea puffer sorority. The more room, the better when it comes to reducing aggression and maintaining harmony.
Of course, a large tank alone does not guarantee success in keeping multiple pea puffers. Their temperament also plays a large role. But providing abundant space makes it more likely they will tolerate each other.
Tank size recommendations
| Number of Pea Puffers | Minimum Tank Size |
|---|---|
| 1 | 5 gallons |
| 2 | 50 gallons |
| 3-5 females | 75+ gallons |
| 5+ females | 100+ gallons |
Other tank considerations
In addition to sheer tank size, a few other aquarium factors are important when attempting to co-house pea puffers:
Dense plants and decor
Break up open swimming areas with plenty of silk or live plants. Provide driftwood, rock caves, and other decor for barriers. This allows each fish to claim its own territory and prevents relentless chasing.
Few tankmates
Avoid most other fish tankmates, as pea puffers tend to be aggressive toward other species as well. A few possibilities are otocinclus catfish, nerite snails, and shrimp. But in general, the fewer tankmates the better.
Low bioload
Pea puffers have a big bioload for their small size. Keep the overall stocking level low to prevent water quality issues. Moderate and consistent water changes are a must.
Cycling and filtration
Fully cycle the tank before adding pea puffers, as they are sensitive to water quality. Provide strong filtration rated for a larger tank for waste control and current.
Feeding and diet
Providing ample food resources helps reduce aggression over competition for snacks. Feed pea puffers small meals 3-5 times per day. They eagerly accept frozen, live, freeze-dried, and pelleted foods but require regular protein sources like:
- Bloodworms
- Brine shrimp
- Daphnia
- Cyclops
- Blackworms
Supplement protein diets with occasional snails, which help wear down beaks. Avoid overfeeding though, as excess waste will degrade water quality.
Signs of stress
Monitor pea puffers closely for any indications of stress if attempting to co-house them. Signs may include:
- Change in color – Faded/paler
- Skittishness and hiding
- Rapid breathing or gulping at surface
- Clamped fins
- Loss of appetite
- Torn fins or nipped tails
- Ramming and chasing
Take immediate action at the first signs of aggression or distress. Separate fish showing signs of stress into backup accommodations. Intervene promptly before fighting escalates.
Conspecific temperament
No two pea puffers have the same temperament. Some individuals are simply more territorial and pugnacious. Carefully observe pufferfish personalities before attempting to pair or group them.
Avoid obviously aggressive fish. Look for more shy, passive specimens that utilize hiding spots. Moving about slowly and taking time to emerge often signals a calmer puffer less prone to skirmishing.
However, even unusually docile puffers may turn hostile when confronted with a tankmate. There are no guarantees when matching pea puffer personalities, further underscoring the risks of co-housing them.
Isolation options
Having backup tank space ready is crucial when trying to keep multiple pea puffers. Spare 5+ gallon tanks or dividers allow separating fish if aggression surfaces between tankmates.
Dividers can work temporarily but likely stress the puffers long-term by limiting swimming room. Individual tanks are better isolation accommodations. cycled and equipped with filtration, plants, and hiding spots.
Sometimes isolation only needs to last a few days for fish to calm down. But be prepared for permanent separation. Have extra heaters, filters, and supplies on hand to comfortably house pea puffers in quarantine if need be.
Adding tankmates together
When first introducing pea puffers to the same tank, adding them simultaneously may avoid aggression issues. This provides neither fish with an established territory.
However, problems can still arise later on as the puffers mature and become more territorial. Just because they initially accept tankmates does not guarantee long-term harmony. Stay vigilant for signs of discord.
Coping with age
As pea puffers age, their chances of co-habitating peacefully decrease. Younger dwarf pufferfish under 1 year old have the best outlook for getting along.
With maturity often comes increased aggression and territoriality. Adult pea puffers over 2 years old are far more likely to skirmish with tankmates. Be prepared to separate aged fish into solo enclosures if needed.
Mated pairs
The best option for keeping multiple pea puffers is to house a single male with multiple females. This mimics their natural harem-style social structure.
However, Territorial disputes may still occur as the male tries to entice the females to breed. Provide plenty of tank space, line of sight breaks, and hideaways if attempting this arrangement.
A male-female pair has a better chance of coexisting without issue compared to two males or females. But problems can still potentially arise long-term.
Conclusion
Keeping two pea puffers together can be done, but it is risky and requires an extremely large tank. Males should never be paired together, as relentless combat will occur. Females have a slightly better tolerance for tankmates, but aggression is still likely.
The only scenario where co-housing pea puffers may succeed long-term is a very large tank with a single male and multiple females. However, issues could still arise over time.
The best practice is to house pea puffers singly or in male-female pairs. Provide at least 5 gallons for one dwarf puffer, and 50+ gallons for any attempted pair or group. Isolation tanks are a must for separating fish if aggression arises.
Even in ideal conditions, co-housing carries risk. Close observation, backup accommodations, and immediate intervention at early signs of stress or fighting are critical. Overall though, pea puffers tend to fare best kept solitary.
