Peas do have a pretty good vegetable protein content. I'm not sure if feeding the fish appropriately pinched or smushed peas is all that significant in the larger picture. It is good food and the bulk may be useful in cleansing their digestive systems. There is also a recreational factor - for both the fish and the feeder.
The schnoodle followed the bigger dog around, getting the pea shells since there are no big snails (apple, Japanese livebearing...) in the organization at the moment. The dog was operating on the assumption, if it comes out of a saucepan it is people food and therefore good to eat. It may be useful in cleaning out his system too. ;)
The Endler's got well cooked half peas, pretty well cooked and crushed. The guppies got larger pieces, fairly well crushed. Goodieds and rainbowfish either got half or quarter peas, mostly intact. Native killies (from hard or even brackish waters) tugged at pretty well crunched segments. If I had many cichlids, a lot of them would have appreciated the peas too.
Strict carnivores probably are better off without peas, which can just stick in their stomachs without benefiting them. But most livebearers are omnivores. A little veggie material is useful and a full stomach, maybe with a fast day once a week, seems to be a healthy thing.
I've also noticed that small fish from somewhat hard water seem to enjoy peas and genuinely nourishing veggie material. Harder waters usually have some kinds of algae growing there, so maybe this is not such a surprise.
There are some modest social amenities to observe when feeding peas. Don't filch them from hungry family members. Don't feed the fish from the table - they'll start to beg all of the time. And most of all, even if the shot is a direct hit, don't lob half peas into the 40-gallon rainbow tank when guests are over for dinner. ;)
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