Carinotetraodon travancoricus
The pea puffer is a tiny freshwater puffer from Southwest India, famous for its personality on a nano scale. Males are territorial; in planted tanks some keep small groups with heavy structure, while others prefer one per species setup. Not a generic community fish—may nip fins and harass slow tankmates. Needs varied small meaty foods including snails and frozen invertebrates to wear teeth; avoid long-term dry-food-only diets.
Frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, blackworm; small snails; high-quality carnivore pellets; feed small amounts often.
Frequency: 2× daily
Snails help wear beak; watch for obesity—tiny fish with big appetite.
Native Region: India (Western Ghats—Pamba River system)
Vegetated shallow streams and rice paddies with warm, soft water.
Dense plants and hardscape breaks; gentle flow; fine sand; mature filtration.
Activity Level: High
Curious; may “beg” at glass; jumps—tight lid essential.
Difficulty: Difficult
Type: Egg layer
Sexual Dimorphism: Males often show brighter markings and “wrinkles” behind eyes; females rounder.
Spawning occasionally reported in dense planted tanks; eggs on fine-leaved plants.
Substrate: Sand
Plant Safe: Yes
Territories around wood and thickets; avoid long-finned tankmates.
Add this species to a saved tank stocking list.
Signed-in members only. New posts are moderated before everyone can see them — you'll always see your own while they're pending.
Loading…
Loading…