Pea Pufferfish (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) Care Guide

The Pea Pufferfish (Carinotetraodon travancoricus), also known as the Dwarf Pufferfish or Pygmy Pufferfish, is a tiny, highly intelligent, and charismatic freshwater species. Known for their inquisitive nature and striking yellow-green coloration with black spots, these pufferfish have captured the hearts of aquarium enthusiasts worldwide. Native to the slow-moving rivers and lakes of southwestern India, Pea Pufferfish make excellent additions to species-specific tanks or carefully planned community setups.

Natural Habitat and Origins

Pea Pufferfish are endemic to the Western Ghats of India, specifically in the Kerala and Karnataka regions, where they inhabit slow-moving, heavily vegetated streams, lakes, and rivers. The dense plant cover and calm waters provide these fish with plenty of hiding spots and foraging opportunities. In their natural habitat, Pea Puffers are micro-predators, feeding on small invertebrates, crustaceans, and aquatic larvae.

Appearance and Size

The Pea Pufferfish is one of the smallest species of pufferfish, growing to just about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length, making them perfect for nano aquariums. Despite their small size, their round bodies and big, expressive eyes give them an unmistakable charm. They have a vibrant greenish-yellow body adorned with irregular black spots, and their fins are almost transparent. Males are often brighter in color and may develop a blueish hue under the eyes, while females tend to be rounder and slightly duller.

Aquarium Setup and Care

• Tank Size: Despite their small size, Pea Pufferfish are very active and territorial. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 liters) is recommended for a single Pea Puffer. For a small group of 3-4 puffers, a tank size of 20 gallons (75 liters) or larger is ideal to provide enough space for each fish to establish its own territory.
• Water Parameters: Pea Puffers thrive in stable water conditions, so maintaining appropriate water quality is crucial.
  • Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
  • pH: 6.5-7.5
  • Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard (5-15 dGH)

They prefer slow-moving water, so while a filter is necessary to maintain water quality, it should not create a strong current. A sponge filter or a low-flow filter is perfect for Pea Puffers.

• Aquascape: Creating an environment with plenty of hiding spots and visual barriers is essential for Pea Pufferfish. They enjoy a densely planted tank with plants like Java Moss, Anubias, and Java Fern to mimic their natural habitat and reduce territorial aggression. Driftwood, rocks, and caves can also be added to provide additional hiding places and help create distinct territories. These fish appreciate well-shaded areas, so floating plants can be beneficial.
• Filtration: A high-quality filter is crucial to maintaining water quality, as Pea Puffers are sensitive to poor water conditions. Weekly water changes of 25-30% will help keep the tank clean and free of ammonia and nitrates.

Feeding

Pea Pufferfish are carnivores with a particular preference for live and frozen foods. They have small, beak-like mouths that require a specialized diet of tiny invertebrates. Their diet should consist of:

• Live or frozen bloodworms
• Live or frozen daphnia
• Live snails (which help keep their teeth trimmed)
• Brine shrimp
• Small shrimp like Cyclops or Moina

It’s essential to provide a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition. Pea Puffers are notoriously picky eaters, and they may refuse dried foods like pellets or flakes. Live foods like bladder snails are particularly beneficial, as they help wear down their ever-growing teeth, a common issue in pufferfish species.

Temperament and Behavior

Pea Puffers are curious, intelligent, and sometimes territorial fish. Despite their small size, they exhibit bold behavior and may become aggressive toward tank mates, especially if they feel crowded or threatened. Males are more territorial than females, often defending their space aggressively. These behaviors make Pea Puffers more suited to species-specific tanks or carefully selected community setups.

To reduce aggression, it's important to provide plenty of visual barriers in the tank, allowing them to establish their own territories without constantly encountering one another. Pea Puffers are also known for their playful and inquisitive nature, often watching their surroundings and responding to human activity outside the tank.

Best Tank Mates for Pea Pufferfish

Due to their territorial nature and tendency to nip at fins, tank mates for Pea Puffers must be chosen with care. They are best kept in species-only tanks or with fast-moving, non-aggressive fish. Ideal tank mates include:

• Otocinclus catfish (small, peaceful algae eaters)
• Amano shrimp (although adult shrimp are best, as smaller shrimp may be seen as food)
• Larger, peaceful snails like Nerite Snails (though be cautious as they may still nip at them)

Avoid housing Pea Puffers with slow-moving or long-finned species, such as guppies or bettas, as they may become targets for fin nipping. Additionally, large, aggressive fish should be avoided as they may stress or harm the Pea Puffers.

If keeping multiple Pea Puffers in a single tank, ensure there is enough space and plenty of hiding places to reduce aggression. A ratio of one male to multiple females is recommended to minimize territorial disputes between males.

Breeding

Breeding Pea Puffers in captivity is possible but requires specific conditions. Males will court females by displaying brighter colors and performing a dance to attract a mate. Once spawning occurs, females lay their eggs in dense vegetation or hidden spots within the aquarium. After fertilization, the eggs hatch in about 5-7 days, and the fry become free-swimming shortly afterward.

Raising the fry can be challenging, as they require microscopic live food, such as infusoria or freshly hatched brine shrimp, during their early stages of development.

Conclusion

The Pea Pufferfish is a delightful and charismatic species that brings a lot of personality to any aquarium. Despite their small size, they are intelligent, inquisitive, and full of character, making them a joy to observe. With the proper care, environment, and feeding regimen, Pea Puffers can thrive in home aquariums, providing endless entertainment with their unique behaviors and interactions.

Their compact size and specific needs make them ideal for dedicated hobbyists looking for a fascinating, albeit slightly challenging, species to care for.