Pea Puffer care guide
Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) — minimum tank 20 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 6.5-7.5.
Overview
The Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) is the smallest pufferfish in the world, reaching only about 2-3 cm in length. It is one of very few entirely freshwater puffers and displays a yellow to olive body marked with dark blotches. Each eye moves independently, giving the fish a curious, observant appearance.
Taxonomy
- Family: Tetraodontidae
- Genus: Carinotetraodon
- Scientific name: Carinotetraodon travancoricus
- Common synonyms: Dwarf Puffer, Malabar Puffer, Indian Dwarf Puffer
Habitat
Endemic to slow-moving and densely vegetated freshwater rivers, backwaters and lakes of the Western Ghats in Kerala, southwestern India. It occurs in soft, slightly acidic to neutral water amongst dense macrophyte beds.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L (5.3 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-3 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 4-12 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
A micro-predator that feeds on small snails, micro-crustaceans and aquatic insect larvae. In aquaria it should receive frozen bloodworm, daphnia, cyclops and live or pond-collected snails; dry foods are typically refused.
Compatibility
Best kept in a species-only tank or with very fast, short-finned dither fish. Males are territorial and chronic fin-nippers; shrimp and snails will be eaten. A 1 male to 2-3 female ratio in a 50+ L planted tank reduces aggression.
Breeding
An egg-scatterer. Spawning occurs amongst fine-leaved plants such as Java moss; eggs hatch in about 24 hours. Parents do not guard the eggs and will eat them, so plants or a separate rearing container are required.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable. Wild populations have declined due to habitat loss, water pollution and unsustainable collection for the ornamental trade.