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**
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Dwarf puffers
They arrived in great health and full of energy. They ate immediately and are now doing well in their tank!
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Pea puffers
When I received them they were all alive healthy they're all swimming around the tank now happy as can be they're even eating
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Dwarf puffers
Great looking healthy beautiful fish arrived and they are thriving . Very fun fish to watch
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nice
great fish
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Dwarf puffers
My package came triple bagged, in two boxes. These guys really took care of my fish. Fish were all healthy and I haven’t had any problems with them yet! Would definitely recommend.
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Malabar Puffer
He came in great condition and is very lively and inquisitive and enjoying his new home!
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was pleased but
I bought 4 and all arrived nicely and early but one of them seems like it hasn't ate in a while and still refuses to eat
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Wonderful little fish!
These little fish are just the cutest things and I've found them easy to take care of! They were not shy from the get go, and are constantly looking at me because they want food! I walk in the room and they all scurry up to the front of the tank! Those little faces are hard to resist, but I'm not giving in! The only squabbling I've seen has been over blood worms! They look so comical with the big eyes and their cute faces! Plus, they are just so little and have big personalities! Thank you! I'm really enjoying them!
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dwarf puffet fish
I love these little guys. I ordered three online. They were all overnighted through FedEx. Petzones contacted me regarding changing my shipping from USPS priority to overnight bec they said they cannot guarantee the puffers will not arrive doa for a three day shipping. They were very nice and wanted to make sure that I was okay to USPS priority. I then changed to overnight FedEx. I paid $26 for overnight. The puffers came early in the morning. I lost one puffer that day. I'm left with two active ones. So sad the third one died. I would order again from them.
