
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
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
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Breeding season: Spawning can occur year-round with no distinct season; courtship behaviour is typically observed around sunset.
Breeding notes
Spawns in a batch pattern releasing 1–5 non-adhesive, spherical eggs (~1.5 mm diameter) per day. Preferred spawning media include java/willow moss, floating plants, and fine-leaved plants (Cabomba, Ambulia). Setting temperature toward the upper end of the species range (26–28 °C, within the 22–28 °C maintenance range) and conditioning with live foods such as bloodworms and small snails is reported to promote spawning. Fry absorb their yolk sac over an additional 2–3 days after hatching.
Breeding requires planning, proper husbandry, and responsibility. These figures are general guidelines.
Sources: Seriously Fish – Carinotetraodon travancoricus / PubMed 39344425 – Embryonic Development of C. travancoricus (Zygote, 2024)
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
アベニーパファー。IUCN Vulnerable(2010, A2de+3de+4de、Western Ghats 固有)。CITES 非該当。
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish / CITES Appendices (Checklist)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
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.
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.
Last updated: June 30, 2026