Apistos with Indian dwarf pea puffer

[ron1njdds]

Thinking of getting a single Indian pea puffer in my 20L tank, now inhabited by a pair of apistogramma and 2 guppies. There is a large piece of driftwood and 3 caves in addition to several Java ferns, other wood, cholla and leaf litter. I don't know if pea puffers are fast enough to nip and harass the apistos. MTS will be added to provide a food source for the puffer and a small school of Otos help with the algae. Anyone try this? I'd appreciate any feedback.

 

[Mike Wise]

Never tried it. My question is whether the puffer is fast enough to avoid attacks by a protective mom?

 

[ron1njdds]

At this point the young couple shows no interest in mating and I don't know if that will change but there are plenty of hiding places the puffer could find refuge in so I'm not that concerned about it. Just don't want my apistos beautiful fins nipped.
The other option I'd consider is to simply get another female and forget the puffer for now.

 

[Mike Wise]

My mantra: A community tank is not a breeding tank. Breeding apistos in a community situation often leads to problems for the other fish. Your apistos might not seem interested in breeding right now, but in the near future ...?