P. Puffer

Overview

The Pea / Dwarf Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) is a tiny, feisty freshwater pufferfish with enormous personality. They are curious, intelligent, and will recognize their owners. Semi-aggressive and territorial — not for community tanks.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: 7.0–8.0
• Hardness: 8–15 dGH

Tank Setup

• Minimum tank size: 40 litres for 3+ (they are social in groups)
• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
• Decor: Dense planting, driftwood, caves; they are territorial and need visual barriers
• Note: They are slow swimmers; avoid strong currents

Diet

• Base: Live/frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
• Treats: Snails (they eat them — beak grows continuously), small shrimp
• Note: They need hard-shelled foods to wear down their beak

Temperament & Tank Mates

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial
• Best companions: Other pea puffers (in groups of 5+), shrimp (may be eaten), snails
• Avoid: Slow long-finned fish (bettas, guppies) — fins will be nipped; small shrimp

Breeding

• Difficulty: Moderate; they breed in soft, acidic water
• Process: Eggs scattered among plants; remove parents

Common Issues

• Fin-nippers — do not keep with long-finned fish
• Beak grows continuously — provide hard-shelled foods (snails)
• Territorial in small tanks — provide visual barriers
• One of the most entertaining freshwater fish
• Lifespan: 4–6 years