Pea Puffer

Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus)

The Pea Puffer, also known as the Dwarf Pufferfish or Malabar Puffer, is one of the smallest and most fascinating freshwater puffers available in the aquarium hobby. Native to the slow-moving rivers and lakes of southwest India, this tiny species reaches only about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in size, yet it has a huge personality. With its curious nature, bright golden-green coloration, and expressive eyes that follow movement, the Pea Puffer quickly becomes the star of any small aquarium.

Unlike most puffers, Pea Puffers thrive in fully freshwater environments and can live comfortably in small aquariums of 10 gallons or more. They are highly intelligent and territorial, often displaying unique behaviors such as hovering mid-water, inspecting decorations, or watching their owners during feeding time. While small, they have distinct individual personalities and are best kept either alone or in small groups with plenty of hiding spots and live plants.

Feeding Pea Puffers requires a varied, protein-rich diet. They love to eat live or frozen foods like snails, bloodworms, and brine shrimp. Their small beak-like teeth need natural wear from crunchy foods to stay healthy. Providing live snails occasionally not only keeps them entertained but also helps maintain dental health. Because of their small size and interactive nature, they are ideal for nano tank enthusiasts and aquarists who enjoy watching fish with personality and intelligence.

To learn more about their habitat and biology, you can check FishBase.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How big do Pea Puffers get?
They grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) on average.

2. What size tank do they need?
A single Pea Puffer can live comfortably in a 10-gallon tank, while small groups need at least 20 gallons.

3. What do Pea Puffers eat?
They enjoy live or frozen foods like bloodworms, snails, and brine shrimp.

4. Can Pea Puffers live with other fish?
They can be territorial, so it’s best to keep them with peaceful tankmates or other puffers in a well-planted setup.

5. How long do Pea Puffers live?
With proper care, they can live up to 4–5 years.