Pea Puffer

Carinotetraodon travancoricus

The world's smallest puffer fish — fully freshwater and packed with personality. Despite their tiny size, they're fierce predators with a curiosity and intelligence that rivals much larger fish. They watch you as much as you watch them.

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Quick Facts

Max Size1.4"

Lifespan4–5 years

Min Tank10 gal

DietCarnivore

SchoolingNo

OriginAsia

Water Parameters

Temperature22–28°C

pH Range6.5–7.5

Natural Habitat

Slow-moving rivers and lakes in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Found among dense vegetation.

Region

Western Ghats, India

Countries

India

Feeding

Live or frozen foods only — snails, bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia. Most refuse dry food. Snails are essential for beak maintenance.

Compatible Tank Mates

Good Matches

Best kept species-onlyOtocinclus (sometimes)Fast-moving shrimp

Avoid

Long-finned fishSlow-moving fishSnails you want to keep

Breeding

Male courts female by puffing and displaying. Eggs laid among plants. Paternal care. Relatively easy to breed.

Care Tips

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Feed snails regularly to keep their beak trimmed

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Species-only tanks are recommended

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Heavily planted tanks reduce aggression

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Incredible intelligence — can recognize their owner

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Endangered in the wild — support captive breeding

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