Corydoras Catfish vs Pea Puffer

Side-by-side care comparison to help you choose.

Corydoras CatfishPea Puffer
DifficultyBeginnerIntermediate
Adult size1-2.5 inches1-1.5 inches
Lifespan3-5 years4-5 years
Min tank size10 gallons10 gallons
Water temp74-80°F74-82°F
pH6.5-7.56.5-7.5
TemperamentpeacefulSemi-aggressive; can be nippy, especially among conspecifics; best in species-only tank
Tank matesPeaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids.Best kept alone or with fast, small fish (e.g., danios, rasboras); avoid long-finned or slow fish
DietSinking pellets or wafers as staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp; feed once or twice daily.Carnivorous; requires live foods (snails, bloodworms, brine shrimp) daily; may accept high-quality frozen foods