The Pea Puffer, also known as Carinotetraodon travancoricus, is a diminutive but captivating species with several aliases including Dwarf Pufferfish, Pea Puffer Fish, Pygmy Pufferfish, and Malabar Pufferfish. Its petite size, reaching a maximum of 1.4 inches, coupled with a lifespan of up to 4 years, has contributed to its rising popularity among aquarists.
These tiny marvels possess remarkable traits, including the ability to change color and independently move their eyes. While male Pea Puffers can exhibit territorial and aggressive behavior, maintaining a single male with several females helps mitigate aggression and fosters breeding. Unlike solitary Tetraodontiformes, Pufferfish are social creatures often found in large shoals, exploring all areas of the tank and displaying curiosity about their surroundings.
Dwarf Pea Puffers derive their name from their exceptionally small size, with a maximum length of 1.4 inches. Their round bodies taper towards the dorsal and anal fins, accentuated by relatively large eyes. Sexual dimorphism aids in distinguishing males, featuring a bright yellow belly and a distinctive dark stripe absent in females. Males typically exhibit a darker golden-green hue compared to the lighter yellow-green of females, with unique markings distinguishing the sexes.
Originating from India, these carnivorous creatures thrive in a pH range of 6.5-7.5 and tropical temperatures between 24°C to 28°C. As egg layers, they require suitable breeding conditions to reproduce successfully, adding to their allure for aquarists seeking a captivating and manageable species.