Malabar Dwarf Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus)
Description
The Malabar Dwarf Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) is a small and fascinating species of freshwater pufferfish that originates from the rivers and streams of the Malabar Coast in southwestern India. Known for its vibrant green coloration and unique behavior, this puffer is one of the smallest species of pufferfish, making it a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts. With its curious nature, round body, and the ability to puff up when threatened, the Malabar Dwarf Puffer is a captivating addition to any aquascape.
Key Features
- Scientific Name: Carinotetraodon travancoricus
- Common Name: Malabar Dwarf Puffer
- Size: Up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial towards other puffers or similar-sized fish
- Lifespan: 4-5 years with proper care
- Diet: Carnivorous – primarily eats live or frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp, snails, and small crustaceans.
- Appearance: Greenish-yellow body with darker spots and markings. Its small, compact size and round shape make it highly distinctive.
- Tank Level: Bottom and midwater dweller
Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a single individual or a small group
- Water Temperature: 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C)
- pH Range: 7.0 to 7.5
- Water Hardness: 5-12 dGH
- Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel is ideal, as it allows for easy movement and hunting of small invertebrates.
- Tank Setup: A heavily planted aquarium with lots of hiding spots, caves, and driftwood. Malabar Dwarf Puffers enjoy environments where they can explore and find hiding spots.
Care Tips
- Malabar Dwarf Puffers are relatively hardy but require pristine water conditions and good filtration. Regular water changes are essential to maintain optimal water quality.
- These puffers can be territorial, especially with other fish of similar size. It’s best to house them alone or with non-aggressive tank mates of a size they cannot consider prey.
- They are highly carnivorous and may hunt snails in the tank. If no natural prey is available, be sure to provide them with live or frozen foods.
- Their small size means they can be prone to bullying from larger or more active species, so they should only be kept with peaceful, non-aggressive tank mates.
Compatibility
While the Malabar Dwarf Puffer can be kept in community tanks, it’s important to select tank mates carefully. They do best with:
- Peaceful, small fish (e.g., Rasboras, Tetras)
- Invertebrates (e.g., Shrimp, Snails)
- Avoid keeping them with larger fish, aggressive species, or other puffers.
- Avoid keeping with fin-nipping or overly active species that might stress them out.
Why Choose Malabar Dwarf Puffers?
The Malabar Dwarf Puffer is a stunning and interactive species that offers both beauty and behavior to your aquarium. Its compact size, unique appearance, and curious nature make it a favorite among experienced aquarists. Though they require a bit more attention in terms of diet and tankmates, their playful antics and distinctive puffing behavior are well worth the effort.
Despite their small size, they can be quite aggressive to even fish larger than them. They can get territorial so it is best to keep them with larger peaceful and hardy fish.
**SOLD INDIVIDUALLY; 1 PEA PUFFER PER ORDER**
-
Dwarf Puffers
They are super cute!!! They were shipped the day after purchase and arrived the next day. The only problem was the bag was leaking everywhere like it wasn't closed properly. Even the outside of the box was wet. They were fine though.
-
Perfect
I love my 3 tiny puffers! They came in a little Styrofoam container and great packaging.
-
Pea puffers
Arrived in great shape and the fish are doing fine. They are a lot smaller than I thought they would be but that’s ok with me because I can watch them grow. Would definitely buy from them again!
-
Pea Puffers
Amazing team, the customer service was superb through email as well as on phone. The puffers were beautiful, I say were because unfortunately 2 out of the 3 did not make it but I blame fedex because fedex marked the package to arrive at 12pm and ended up arriving at 6pm. I believe the puffers were in the package to long and with them being small the wait was to much for them plus the water was a bit murky. All in all I’m happy with my lone survivor, they’re very beautiful and will be recommending this website!
-
Pea Puffers
The fish arrived extremely healthy.
Can't wait to order again. Costumer service is amazing -
Pea puffer
They arrived with only one dead.
-
Malabar dwarf pea puffer
Just set up a planted tank, so I bought two. Due to corona a lot of places don’t have these but this store had them in stock. Shipping was fast. The next morning at noon there was a box on my door step. The fish were all healthy. They are zipping around my tank.
-
Malabar dwarf puffers
Pet Zone San Diego put the health and safety of my fish first. They arrived happy and healthy. There was enough packaging in the box so they didn't slide around too much. After a day in the tank they are much more lively and exploring their surroundings. I would strongly recommend this store for any of your fish supply needs.
-
They arrived on time.
The reason why I give this four stars is that the pea puffers all arrived alive. But one arrived with a spinal injury and didn't survive. So the other two are thriving and doing really well!!
