Dwarf Pea Puffer
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
Tetraodontidae
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 (7)
Possible with care (87)
Avoid (15)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.