Skip to main content
Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Neon Tetra live with Pea Puffer?

Neon Tetra

Neon Tetra

Paracheirodon innesi

peaceful~4cm
Pea Puffer

Pea Puffer

Carinotetraodon travancoricus

semi-aggressive~3cm
VerdictCAUTION

Caution. Check the issues below before buying.

Neon Tetra + Pea Puffer: Caution advised. Pea puffers are unpredictable with small tetras, fin damage is possible; species-only setups are more reliable. Outcomes still depend on your tank shape, maintenance routine, and individual fish.

Compatibility score

55/100

Profile confidence: medium

Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.

Min tank

40L

Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 40L (larger active fish often want more length).

Temperature
Range in °C24–26°C shared
Neon TetraPea PufferShared window
pH
Range6.5–7 shared
Neon TetraPea PufferShared window
Temperament / behaviour

Temperament gap (peaceful vs semi-aggressive) — needs space, structure, and careful observation, not a “drop and forget” mix.

Assessment details

  1. Caution advised

    Top issue

    Pea puffers are unpredictable with small tetras, fin damage is possible; species-only setups are more reliable.

  2. Temperament difference

    Pea Puffer is semi-aggressive, while Neon Tetra is peaceful. Expect chasing or stress unless the tank is large and heavily structured — monitor closely.

  3. Narrow temperature overlap

    Neon Tetra and Pea Puffer have only a narrow shared temperature range. Maintaining stable water temperature will be important.

“Pea puffers are unpredictable with small tetras, fin damage…”

Caution advised

Next steps

Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.

  • •Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Neon Tetra can escape if harassed.
  • •Neon Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
  • •Pea Puffer should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
Sources from both profiles
Only URLs that exist on the species records are shown. We do not fabricate citations.

Try this next

Build the full stocking list with Neon Tetra + Pea Puffer

Compare another pairOpen tank builder

Plan further

Check each species’ mates list, size the glass, then verify the full stock in the builder. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.

Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.

Profile data confidence: high. Checked against several solid care sources that mostly agree.

Full tank-mate guides

Related pair checks

Other tank mates for Neon Tetra

Neon Tetra + Pea Puffer — common questions

Can Neon Tetra live with Pea Puffer?
Yes, if you plan for it. The verdict is CAUTION, which means the pairing works when specific conditions are met, not by default. The first condition: Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Neon Tetra can escape if harassed.
What tank size do you need for Neon Tetra and Pea Puffer together?
Plan around 40 litres as the working minimum. That figure comes from each species' published minimum and their group needs, and it assumes adult sizes, not shop sizes.
What's the main risk?
Temperament difference. That is the first thing to plan around. The matching entry under assessment details on this page explains the reasoning and the numbers behind it.
What should you check before buying?
Neon Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour. Pea Puffer should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.