Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) – The Smallest Freshwater Pufferfish

🐡 Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) – The Smallest Freshwater Pufferfish

Description: The Pea Puffer, also called the Dwarf Pufferfish, is the world’s smallest freshwater puffer, growing to only about 1 inch in size. Native to India, these puffers are highly intelligent, curious, and full of personality, making them one of the most popular nano aquarium fish. Despite their small size, they can be territorial, so they do best in species-only tanks or carefully planned communities.

Care Information

• Scientific Name: Carinotetraodon travancoricus
• Common Names: Pea Puffer, Dwarf Puffer
• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial
• Max Size: ~1 inch (2.5 cm)
• Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum for a group
• Diet: Carnivorous – live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and snails
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Soft to moderately hard water

❓ FAQ

Q: Can Pea Puffers live in community tanks?
A: They can nip at fins and may bully tankmates. Best in species-only setups or with fast, non-finny fish.

Q: Do they eat snails?
A: Yes! Pea Puffers love eating small snails, which also helps keep their beaks trimmed.

Q: How many Pea Puffers can I keep together?
A: A 10-gallon tank can house 1 male with 2–3 females. Larger tanks are needed for bigger groups.

Q: Are they beginner-friendly?
A: They are hardy but require specialized feeding and attention to aggression, making them better for intermediate hobbyists.