Common Name: Indian Dwarf Pea Puffer
Scientific Name: Carinotetraodon travancoricus
Other Names: Malabar Puffer, Dwarf Pufferfish, Pea Puffer
The Indian Dwarf Pea Puffer is a tiny, vibrant freshwater fish known for its striking appearance and curious behavior. Despite its small size, this species has a bold personality and is a popular choice among aquarists for nano tanks and species-specific setups.
Habitat and Distribution: The Indian Dwarf Pea Puffer is native to the slow-moving rivers, streams, and lakes of the Western Ghats in India, particularly in the state of Kerala. These fish inhabit areas with dense vegetation and plenty of hiding spots, providing them with ample foraging opportunities and shelter. The water in their natural habitat is typically warm, soft to moderately hard, and slightly acidic to neutral.
Size and Lifespan: In both the wild and captivity, Indian Dwarf Pea Puffers typically grow to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. Their lifespan can range from 4 to 5 years, depending on the care and conditions provided in the aquarium. Ensuring a proper diet, clean water, and adequate space are crucial for their longevity and well-being.
Diet and Behavior: Indian Dwarf Pea Puffers are carnivorous and have a varied diet that includes small invertebrates, insect larvae, and other meaty foods in the wild. In an aquarium, their diet should consist of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Providing hard-shelled foods like snails is essential to help wear down their constantly growing teeth. These puffers are known for their active and curious behavior, often exploring their surroundings and interacting with their environment. Despite their small size, they can be territorial and may nip at tank mates, making them best suited for species-only setups or with carefully chosen tank mates.
Breeding and Reproduction: Breeding Indian Dwarf Pea Puffers in captivity is possible and can be rewarding. They are egg layers, and successful breeding typically involves maintaining excellent water quality and providing a well-planted tank. To encourage spawning, it is helpful to simulate the rainy season by performing frequent water changes with slightly cooler water. The female will lay eggs among the plants, and the male will guard the eggs until they hatch. Providing plenty of hiding spots and dense vegetation will increase the chances of successful breeding.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements: To keep Indian Dwarf Pea Puffers, a tank of at least 10 gallons is recommended for a small group. The tank should include plenty of hiding spots created with rocks, driftwood, and dense plants to mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress. A soft, sandy substrate is ideal to protect their delicate underbellies. Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality, as these fish are sensitive to poor conditions. Providing gentle water flow and a well-planted environment will help replicate their natural habitat and encourage natural behavior.
Ideal Tank Mates: Due to their territorial nature and potential for nipping, Indian Dwarf Pea Puffers are best kept alone or in a species-only setup. If tank mates are desired, they should be carefully chosen and monitored. Suitable tank mates might include fast-moving, non-territorial fish that can avoid the puffer, but even this carries risk. Generally, it is safest to keep these puffers in a species-only setup to prevent potential conflicts and stress.
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate. While they are hardy and adaptable, their specific dietary needs, potential for aggressive behavior, and requirement for clean, well-maintained water require attentive care and a well-thought-out aquarium setup.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
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pH: 6.5-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 5-15 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 4-10 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm (ideal), up to 0.25 ppm (max)
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Nitrite: 0 ppm (ideal), up to 0.25 ppm (max)
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (ideal), up to 40 ppm (max)
Additional Information:
- The Indian Dwarf Pea Puffer’s vibrant coloration and active behavior make it a captivating addition to a specialized aquarium, providing both visual interest and a unique pet-keeping experience.
- These fish have strong, ever-growing teeth that require regular wearing down, so providing hard-shelled prey like snails is essential for their dental health.
- In their natural habitats, Indian Dwarf Pea Puffers play a role in controlling populations of small invertebrates, contributing to the ecological balance.
- Fun fact: Despite their small size, Pea Puffers can inflate their bodies by gulping water or air when threatened, making them appear larger and deterring potential predators. This defense mechanism is a fascinating behavior to observe but should not be triggered unnecessarily in captivity, as it can be stressful for the fish.
