
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dwarf pufferfish
Worlds smallest freshwater pufferfish at 2-3cm. Eats pest snails in tanks. Expressive face and bonds with owners.
The pea puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus), also known as the dwarf pufferfish or Malabar pufferfish, is a tiny freshwater puffer endemic to the rivers of Kerala and southern Karnataka in southwestern India, including the Pamba and Cauvery river systems. At a maximum length of 3.5 cm, it is among the world's smallest pufferfish. Its round, greenish-yellow body speckled with black spots and characteristically large, independently moving eyes give it an endearingly curious appearance. Pea puffers are highly intelligent and possess strong individual personalities, but also intense territorial aggression — they will nip fins of any tankmate and are best kept alone or in species-only setups. Diet is almost exclusively carnivorous: frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small live snails are staples; most individuals refuse dry foods. Snails should be offered regularly to wear down the continuously growing beak-like teeth. Optimal conditions are 24–28°C at pH 6.5–7.5. Wild populations are declining due to habitat degradation; captive-bred specimens are increasingly available and preferable.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
Kerala and southern Karnataka in Southwest India
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
2-3cm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Frozen bloodworms, snails, frozen brine shrimp
20cm+. About 10L per fish
Frozen bloodworms as staple. Pellets often refused
Aggressive — may nip fins
Effective snail pest control
Needs hard food to keep beak trimmed
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Pea Puffer is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Pea Puffer is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
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Pea Puffer typically reaches 2-3cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Pea Puffer feeds on: Frozen bloodworms, snails, frozen brine shrimp. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Pea Puffer varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.