Crested Dwarf Puffer (Carinotetraodon lorteti) Care Guide

Carinotetraodon lorteti is a small Southeast Asian freshwater puffer; males are ruby-red with red eyes and larger than females.

Overview

Carinotetraodon lorteti is a small Southeast Asian freshwater pufferfish that grows to about 7 cm when fully matured. The species shows clear sexual dimorphism: the male has a ruby-red body and red eyes and is significantly larger than the female.

Taxonomy

Family: Tetraodontidae
Genus: Carinotetraodon
Scientific name: Carinotetraodon lorteti
Synonyms include Tetraodon somphongsi

Habitat

It is recorded from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, including canals and brackish waters along the coast, with documented presence in Bangkok's Thonburi canals. It favours heavily planted areas and may be found hiding among dense water hyacinths.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 80 L (about 21 gal)
Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
pH: 6.0-7.5
GH: 4-12 °dGH
Lifespan: 4-6 years

Compatibility

A middle-water, semi-aggressive puffer that is easily spooked and relies on submerged plants for refuge. It is typically kept as a conspecific pair; long-finned fish should be avoided.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern.