Can Pea Puffers Live with Bettas?

Bettas are arguably one of the best creatures to keep in your tank because of their attractive qualities.

With the colorful hues on their back and their easy-to-care nature, they are amazing aquatic pets with unique fin shapes that will enhance your tank features.

With the addition of Pea Puffer Fish to the tank, they are able to contribute their independent nature that can always keep visitors entertained.

Although very small, they are great pets due to their intelligent personalities.

So, can Pea Puffers live with Bettas? If you’d like to find out the challenges and benefits of keeping these two together, stay tuned and let this article help you decide whether it’s best that you keep them as a pair or not.

Understanding Pea Puffers

A Pea Puffer is a freshwater species of fish that are tiny in size and comes under the family tree of Tetraodontidae.

They are also referred to as Dwarf Pea Puffers because of their minor nature.

They are original settlers of the Indian rivers and streams and were categorized as a vulnerable species owing to the polluted Indian waters that resulted in overfishing and habitat loss.

The Pea Puffers are a species of one kind but can usually be found wearing different shades, ranging from brown to yellow and even green.

They can be put into tanks of 5 gallons, but if you are hoping for a group of them to thrive, then 10 gallons is enough.

A range of 74-82°F (23-28°C) in temperature, and a pH range between 6.

8 and 7.

8 is recommended, and nitrite levels must also be examined frequently.

You can keep sponge filters for their filtration needs and also feed them a diet of frozen or live food.

As they are carnivorous in nature, they can chomp on black worms, snails, and brine shrimp.

Understanding Bettas

The Siamese fish known for fighting are small yet active creatures that can be found in the fresh waters of South Eastern Africa.

They are coated in lovely bright colors and fins that act as decorative elements.

Flaring their fins around, male Bettas have been seen nipping females during the breeding season.

It is recommended that a tank of 2 gallons with a temperature of 75-86°F and 6.

8 – 7.

4 pH level is expected for a Betta to thrive.

They can grow to the size of 3 inches and live up to 3 years if the environment is well-regulated.

Since they are omnivorous, they can have a good balance of diets, including meat as well as greens.

They also flourish in spaces with ample vegetation, as they can hide in any place they choose.

They are high maintenance, unlike the misconceptions, being able to live only in filtered water.

Can Pea Puffers Live with Bettas

Bettas and Pea Puffers, scientifically referred to as Carinotetraodon travancoricus, are quite the pairing.

They have the potential for harmonious and peaceful living but before that, you need to balance out the for and against arguments with regards to their shared space.

On the basis of water and temperature, they have an aspect of favorability because of how similar their cases are.

With an approximate range of 75-80°F, you can find common ground for them, which can make the stress level decrease significantly.

When talking about tank size, a large tank is always better, and you need to fill it up with some vegetation so that there are adequate spaces to hide.

Fish like Bettas can be very territorial and even become confrontational when it comes to their room.

Plants that can serve as concealing areas can help them avoid harmful encounters.

Swimming levels can also be a huge problem, but in this case, they can largely avoid the problem.

Since Bettas take the upper and middle levels of the waters, and Pea Puffers like dwelling at the bottom, this act can separate them and greatly minimize interactions, significantly decreasing aggression.

Many aquarium enthusiasts have indicated successful attempts at cohabitating with Bettas and Pea Puffers.

They do so with close observations and careful attention to plant decor and tank size to not hinder their growth.

Similarly, you can always pair these two creatures, but you should always have a plan in case things go south.

To ensure their safety and happiness, always look after them with care.

And if this does not work, you can always take plan B and separate the two in different tanks.

Compatibility Considerations

Despite all the good qualities, these two species can still be considered aggressive.

They have been studied and have been said to be quite territorial when it comes to their tank space.

Most importantly, a male of both species have been observed to be fiercely protective over their territory and can get into fights immediately when they notice each other.

Owing to their strong beaks, Pea Puffers can be pretty dominant over the Bettas and can easily damage their bodies.

Bettas with especially fancy fins are considered to have no chance at all when going against the Puffer fish.

They are also known to have no particular benefits when pairing the two, unlike other duos.

Regarding their compatibility and reduction of aggression, tank size is a massive concern because pea puffers require 5 gallons while Bettas need 2 gallons.

Meeting this requirement for both species is crucial for peace.

You should also be aware of the danger imposed when housing two males from both species in the same tank.

As Pea Puffers are known carnivores, they need a diet consisting primarily of live and frozen meat of shrimp, snails, and worms.

Bettas, however, are omnivores that need a balance of both plant and meat platters.

To house these two different species, you must understand the importance of monitoring and observation.

Conclusion

Even though these fish species are almost the same size and behave in such equally intriguing manners, they do not make a good pair.

You can even call them the most terrible duo you can imagine.

This is because of their aggressive nature, which can lead to the fish becoming finless in only 24 hours.

Furthermore, there are a few similarities that you can find about them regarding tank size requirements as well as preferences for water temperature.

However, other than this, they require entirely different conditions for their tanks.

This may not be a great option as it will hinder one’s growth while another thrives, and you need to guarantee both their health.