Freshwater Pea Puffer / Pygmy Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) 2cm

The Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) also goes by a few other names including the Dwarf Pufferfish, Pea Puffer Fish, Pygmy Pufferfish, Dwarf Pea Puffer and the Malabar Pufferfish. It gets these names because of its size – it is one of the smallest members of its family, growing to a maximum size of 1.4 inches. Their small size and lifespan of up to 4 years amongst other factors has caused the popularity of this species to soar over the past few decades. 

These fish are truly fascinating little creatures, which as well as being able to change their color, Pea Puffer Fish are also capable of using their eyes independently of one another. Male Pea Puffer Fish can be very territorial and aggressive towards each other which is why it is really important that when keeping these fish, you keep a single male and several females. This will reduce aggressive behavior as well as encourage breeding. Unlike many species of Tetraodontiformes which are solitary fish, Pufferfish are actually social species which are found in large shoals. They occupy all regions of the tank and can be found in and amongst plant life as well as out in the open scavenging for food. These fish are inquisitive and pay close attention to their surroundings within the tank as well as what you are doing outside of it.

Dwarf Pea Puffers were given their name due to their exceptionally small size. They grow to a maximum length of 1.4 inches which makes them one of the smallest Pufferfish species on the planet. They are both round in the body and thin towards their back end of the dorsal and anal fins. When looking at them you will notice their particularly large eyes for their small body size. Males and females differ in appearance which makes them relatively easy to sex. Males have a bright yellow belly compared to the lighter yellow-white bellies of females. Males also possess a dark stripe on their belly which the females do not have. Males are typically a darker golden-green coloration where females are a lighter yellow-green. Both males and females have dark patches on the upper side of the body, however males have a thick dark stripe which runs from the pectoral fins to the caudal fin and females have random tiny black spots across their body. Males also have wrinkles around their eyes.

• Species – Carinotetraodon travancoricus
• Common Name – Pea Pupper, Pygmy Puffer
• Origin – India
• Diet – carnivorous
• PH Range – 6.5-7.5
• Temperature – Tropical 24°c – 28°c
• Breed Type – Egg Layer
• Maximum Size – approximately 3cm
• Sex – Un-sexed