Pea Puffer

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Size at shipping: 0.5 - 1" unsexed

The Pea Puffer (also known as the Dwarf Pufferfish or Carinotetraodon travancoricus) is a small, fascinating species of pufferfish that has become increasingly popular in freshwater aquariums. Known for its cute appearance, vibrant personality, and unique behaviors, it’s a great option for aquarists with a smaller tank and those looking for something a little different from the typical community fish.

Key Features:

1. Appearance:

   • Size: The Pea Puffer is very small, typically growing to about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 cm) in length, making it one of the smallest pufferfish species.

   • Coloration: It has a bright yellow or greenish body with black spots, and its eyes are large, giving it a somewhat comical, endearing look.

   • It has a distinctive, rounded body with a slightly flattened belly, which is typical of pufferfish. When threatened, it can puff up to make itself appear larger, although it's not a major defense mechanism like it is in larger puffer species.

2. Temperament:

   • Aggressive tendencies: Despite its small size, the Pea Puffer can be territorial and aggressive, particularly toward other puffers or similarly sized fish. They can be aggressive even toward other fish of the same species, so it's best to keep only one Pea Puffer per tank unless you have a very large tank or can create separate territories.

   • Generally, they do best in species-only tanks or with very peaceful tankmates. It’s important to avoid keeping them with fin-nippers or aggressive fish.

   • Solitary nature: They can be kept singly or in groups, but only in a larger tank with plenty of hiding spots and territory to avoid aggression.

3. Tank Requirements:

   • Tank size: Though they are small, Pea Puffers need at least a 10-gallon tank to thrive. They need space to roam and explore and enjoy plants and decorations for hiding.

   • Water Parameters:

     • pH: 7.0-7.5 (slightly alkaline).

     • Temperature: 75°F-80°F (24°C-27°C).

     • Water hardness: Soft to medium hardness.

   • Filtration: They prefer a well-filtered tank but no strong current, as they are small and not strong swimmers.

4. Diet:

   • Carnivorous: The Pea Puffer is a carnivore and requires a varied diet to stay healthy. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates, and in an aquarium, they can be fed a variety of live, frozen, and high-quality dried foods.

   • Some ideal food options include:

     • Live or frozen foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and snails (which are essential for helping to keep their beaks trimmed).

     • Snails: They are particularly fond of snails, and a regular diet of snails is good for keeping their beaks in check.

   • It’s important not to feed them too much dry food or flakes, as it doesn’t provide the same nutrients as live or frozen food.

5. Lifespan:

   • With proper care, Pea Puffers can live up to 3 to 4 years.

6. Breeding:

   • Breeding Pea Puffers in captivity can be challenging but not impossible. The male tends to have a slightly brighter coloration and may display territorial behaviors during the breeding season.

   • They will need a separate breeding tank with plenty of plants and hiding spaces for the female to lay eggs. The eggs hatch in a few days, and the fry are usually very small, so they will need specialized care, such as tiny live food like infusoria or baby brine shrimp.

Summary:

The Pea Puffer is a tiny, fun, and often quirky fish that can make a great addition to a well-maintained tank, especially if you have a species-only setup. They’re not for beginner aquarists due to their aggressive tendencies and specialized diet but are well-suited for more experienced hobbyists who can provide a suitable environment. While their small size and lively personality make them a joy to watch, they do require careful consideration when it comes to tankmates and feeding.