Cardinal Tetra vs Pea Puffer
Side-by-side care comparison to help you choose.
| Cardinal Tetra | Pea Puffer | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Adult size | 1.5-2 inches | 1-1.5 inches |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years | 4-5 years |
| Min tank size | 10 gallons | 10 gallons |
| Water temp | 74-80F | 74-82°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.0 | 6.5-7.5 |
| Temperament | peaceful | Semi-aggressive; can be nippy, especially among conspecifics; best in species-only tank |
| Tank mates | Other peaceful community fish such as small rasboras, tetras, and dwarf cichlids. | Best kept alone or with fast, small fish (e.g., danios, rasboras); avoid long-finned or slow fish |
| Diet | High-quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp; feed small portions 2-3 times daily. | Carnivorous; requires live foods (snails, bloodworms, brine shrimp) daily; may accept high-quality frozen foods |