Pea Pufferfish: A Tiny, Fascinating Predator

Scientific Name: Carinotetraodon travancoricus
Common Name: Pea Pufferfish, Dwarf Pufferfish, Pygmy Pufferfish
Place of Origin: Southwestern India

The Pea Pufferfish, also known as the Dwarf Pufferfish or Pygmy Pufferfish, is one of the smallest pufferfish species in the world, making it a popular choice for aquarists seeking a unique and interactive fish for a nano aquarium. Despite their tiny size, these fish have big personalities, displaying curious, territorial, and even aggressive behaviors in the right environment. These freshwater fish are an excellent choice for experienced hobbyists who can provide the specialized care they require.

Place of Origin:

Pea Pufferfish (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) are native to the slow-moving rivers, lakes, and estuaries of southwestern India, particularly in the state of Kerala. In the wild, they are typically found in densely vegetated areas with calm water and plenty of hiding places, which mimic their natural hunting grounds.

Keeping Pea Pufferfish in an Aquarium:

Tank Setup and Size: Due to their small size, Pea Pufferfish can be kept in relatively small tanks, with a minimum of 5 gallons recommended for a single fish. However, they are best housed in tanks of 10 gallons or more, especially if keeping multiple Pea Puffers. These active swimmers appreciate a well-planted aquarium that mimics their natural habitat, with plenty of decorations, driftwood, and caves to explore. Live plants such as Anubias, Java fern, and floating plants are ideal for providing shelter and reducing stress.

Pea Puffers are known for their curiosity, and creating a diverse aquascape with hiding spots and obstacles will keep them engaged and happy. Since they are sensitive to water quality and susceptible to ammonia and nitrate spikes, excellent filtration and regular water changes are essential.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5 (prefer neutral to slightly acidic water)
• Water Hardness: 5-15 dGH

Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial for the health of Pea Puffers, as they are more sensitive than other common freshwater fish. Regular water changes (at least 20% weekly) and a well-maintained filtration system will help ensure their longevity and health.

Behavior and Temperament: Pea Puffers are territorial and can be aggressive towards tank mates, especially other puffers. Although small, they have strong personalities and are known for their predatory nature. They use their sharp beaks to hunt live prey like snails and small crustaceans, making them fascinating to watch.

It is generally advised to keep Pea Puffers in species-only tanks to avoid conflicts. If you plan to house multiple Pea Puffers, provide plenty of hiding spots and break up sightlines with plants or decorations to reduce aggression. A ratio of one male to several females works best, as males are particularly territorial.

While they may display aggressive tendencies, Pea Puffers are highly interactive and recognize their owners, often coming to the front of the tank when someone approaches.

Ideal Tank Mates for Pea Pufferfish:

Due to their aggressive and territorial behavior, choosing tank mates for Pea Puffers can be tricky. It is often recommended to keep them in a species-only setup, but if you want to try a community tank, here are a few guidelines.

Good Tank Mates (if attempting a community tank):

• Otocinclus Catfish: Peaceful bottom dwellers that help with algae control.
• Amano Shrimp or Ghost Shrimp: Large shrimp species that can survive the Pea Puffer's curiosity, though it's still a risk.
• Snails (as food): Pea Puffers love to eat snails, so adding small pest snails like bladder snails or ramshorn snails can provide a natural food source. However, keep in mind that larger snails may be nipped at.

Tank Mates to Avoid: Avoid keeping Pea Puffers with slow-moving or long-finned fish, as they may nip at them. Additionally, avoid pairing them with larger, more aggressive fish that may view the Pea Puffer as prey.

Given their nature, Pea Puffers are often happiest in a single-species tank with plenty of plants and small invertebrates to hunt.

Diet and Feeding:

Pea Puffers are carnivores with a preference for live and frozen foods. Their diet in the wild consists of small crustaceans, snails, and insect larvae, and they need a protein-rich diet in captivity to stay healthy.

Suggested Diet:

• Live or frozen bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp
• Live or frozen mosquito larvae
• Snails (a favorite food for Pea Puffers, and their hard shells help keep the puffer’s beak from overgrowing)
• Occasionally, high-quality carnivore pellets, though they may prefer live food over prepared options

It’s important to offer a varied diet to keep Pea Puffers healthy and prevent boredom. Because they have small, specialized mouths, it’s best to feed them small, bite-sized portions. Feeding them 1-2 times a day in small amounts is ideal.

Growth and Size:

Pea Puffers are tiny fish, with adults growing to only about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. Despite their small size, they are active and highly visible in the aquarium, making them a popular choice for nano tanks.

Breeding Pea Pufferfish:

Breeding Pea Puffers in captivity is possible, but it requires careful management. Males and females should be provided with plenty of hiding places in a well-planted tank. Males will court females by displaying their colors and engaging in quick swimming displays. Once a female lays eggs, she will deposit them on plants or in crevices.

After the eggs are laid, it’s essential to separate the adults, as they may eat the eggs or fry. The eggs will hatch within a few days, and the fry can be fed infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp.

Challenges of Keeping Pea Pufferfish:

While Pea Puffers are small and relatively hardy, they do present a few challenges. They require pristine water conditions, and their small size makes them susceptible to poor water quality. Regular tank maintenance, including frequent water changes and good filtration, is essential.

Additionally, their aggressive nature towards other fish and their preference for live food may make them unsuitable for community tanks or for aquarists seeking low-maintenance fish. However, for those willing to provide the right environment, Pea Puffers offer rewarding behavior and fascinating interactions.

Final Thoughts:

Pea Pufferfish are unique, fascinating additions to any freshwater aquarium. Their small size, bold personality, and predatory behavior make them a favorite among aquarists seeking something different. While they require specialized care and are best suited for species-only tanks, the reward is a highly interactive and visually striking fish that will keep you entertained.

Whether you're watching them hunt snails or displaying their curious, bold nature, Pea Puffers are sure to become the stars of your aquarium. With proper care, they can live up to 4-5 years, providing a long-lasting and rewarding experience for dedicated aquarists.