Dwarf Pea Puffer
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
Tetraodontidae
FishDifficulty: ●●●●○Data: well-established
About
The Dwarf Pea Puffer is the world's smallest pufferfish, a true freshwater species endemic to the rivers, lakes and floodplains of Kerala in southwest India. Despite topping out near 3.5 cm it has an outsized personality: it hovers and hunts like a tiny hawk, tracking prey with independently swivelling eyes. Males are territorial and the species needs a heavily planted, sight-broken tank plus a steady supply of live or frozen invertebrates, so it rewards experienced keepers rather than beginners.
Care
Species-only, heavily planted tank with a female-skewed group; feed live/frozen snails and worms — it ignores dry food.
Diet
Obligate micro-carnivore; relishes small ramshorn/bladder snails, bloodworm, blackworm and brine shrimp. Snails help wear down its ever-growing beak.
Tankmate compatibility
Gets along with (16)
Possible with care (172)
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Avoid (83)
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Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
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Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Dwarf Pea Puffer need?
- A Dwarf Pea Puffer needs an aquarium of at least 45 litres (11.9 US gallons) with a footprint at least 60 cm (23.6 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Dwarf Pea Puffer need?
- Dwarf Pea Puffer does best at 22–28 °C (71.6–82.4 °F), pH 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 5–20 °dGH.
- Is the Dwarf Pea Puffer suitable for beginners?
- Dwarf Pea Puffer is a demanding species best attempted with some experience — it needs stable, closely watched conditions to thrive.
Sources
Water & tank
Temperature22–28°C
Optimal temp.24–27°C
pH6.5–8
Hardness (GH)5–20°d
Carbonate (KH)4–12°d
Adult size2.5 cm
Min. volume≥ 45 L
Min. tank length≥ 60 cm
Swimming zoneAll levels
TemperamentSemi-aggressive
Water typeFreshwater
FlowLow
Lifespan~4 yrs
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