(14) Dwarf Pea puffer

The dwarf pea puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) is a small, freshwater pufferfish known for its big personality and inquisitive nature. These curious fish grow to only about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and are native to the rivers and lakes of Southwest India. They are a popular choice for nano aquariums, but their care requirements make them more suitable for intermediate aquarists.

• Territorial nature: Despite their small size, pea puffers can be aggressive and territorial, especially males. They are notorious for nipping the fins of other fish and can even harass their own kind.
• Species-only tank: Because of their aggressive temperament, pea puffers do best in a species-only tank with no other fish. Some aquarists have success with fast-moving, short-finned fish like certain types of danios or rasboras, but success is not guaranteed. They are likely to eat any snails or shrimp in the tank.
• Tank size: The minimum tank size is 5 gallons for a single puffer, but 10 gallons or more is highly recommended. For a small group, a 20-gallon tank is ideal.
• Decoration: A heavily planted tank with plenty of hiding spots is essential to create visual barriers and reduce aggression. Include plants like Java moss, Anubias, and Cryptocoryne species, as well as driftwood and rocks. Floating plants are also great for providing cover.
• Water flow: Pea puffers are not strong swimmers and prefer a gentle water flow. 

• Diet: Pea puffers are carnivores and typically will not eat dry flakes or pellets. Their diet should consist of a variety of live or frozen foods.
• Food options: They readily eat frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and live pest snails. Snails are especially important for wearing down their beak-like teeth.
• Frequency: Feed small amounts multiple times a day to keep them engaged in hunting and to avoid overfeeding. 

• Water quality: This species is highly sensitive to poor water conditions, so a fully cycled and mature aquarium is crucial.
• Ideal parameters:
  • Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C).
  • pH: 6.8–7.8, with a stable pH around 7.2–7.5 being ideal.
  • Nitrate: Levels should be kept below 15 ppm, ideally as close to 0 as possible.
• Maintenance: Perform regular water changes, especially in smaller tanks, to maintain pristine water quality. A strong filter is recommended to handle waste, but ensure the flow is not too strong. 

• Sexing: Males tend to be more brightly colored, have a dark line on their belly, and iridescent wrinkles around their eyes. Females are generally rounder and less colorful.
• Spawning: Provide plenty of dense moss, which females will use to scatter eggs. Males will then follow to fertilize them.
• Fry care: The eggs will hatch in about five days. The fry will feed off their yolk sacs initially and then can be fed infusoria and newly hatched brine shrimp.