Can plecos live with pea puffers?
❌ Not recommended No, it's not recommended
- ❌ Not recommended Pea puffer is aggressive and will bully peaceful bristlenose pleco.
- ⚠️ Caution Pea puffer may nip at calmer tankmates like bristlenose pleco; keep it in a group of 6+ to spread the nipping within its own school.
- ⚠️ Caution Pea puffer defends a territory near the bottom (especially when breeding) and may chase bristlenose pleco.
- ⚠️ Caution Pea puffer is best kept in a species-only tank: it is nippy and a picky, slow eater.
| Bristlenose pleco | Pea puffer | |
| Temperature | 70–79 °F (21–26 °C) | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) |
| pH | 5.5–7.5 | 6.8–8 |
| Adult size | 5.1 in (13 cm) | 1.2 in (3 cm) |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Aggressive |
| Swims in | Bottom | All levels |
| Minimum tank | 20 gal | 5 gal |
Shared temperature: 72–79 °F (22–26 °C) · Shared pH: 6.8–7.5
If you already have both
- Separate them as soon as possible, or rehome one of them. Use a divider in the meantime.
See all bristlenose pleco tank mates and pea puffer tank mates, or add more species in the checker.
FAQ
Can plecos live with pea puffers?
No, it's not recommended. Pea puffer is aggressive and will bully peaceful bristlenose pleco. Pea puffer may nip at calmer tankmates like bristlenose pleco; keep it in a group of 6+ to spread the nipping within its own school.
What temperature for plecos and pea puffers?
Bristlenose pleco: 70–79 °F (21–26 °C). Pea puffer: 72–82 °F (22–28 °C). Shared range: 72–79 °F (22–26 °C).
What size tank for plecos and pea puffers?
At least 20 US gallons, more as you add fish.
Note: Compatibility depends on individual temperament, tank size, decor and how fish are introduced. Our verdicts use conservative rules applied to published care data (see methodology). They are guidance, not a guarantee. Quarantine new fish and watch for chasing, torn fins or hiding.