Aquarium species profile

Pea Puffer

Carinotetraodon travancoricus · South Asia (India – Western Ghats)

Minimum tank10 gal (single); 20 gal (small group)

Adult size1–1.5"

Care levelModerate

TemperamentAggressive

Temperature74–82°F

pH range6.5–7.5

Diet

Carnivore – snails (essential for beak wear), frozen bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp

Compatible tank mates

Best species-only; sometimes Otocinclus or fast nano fish (with caution)

Tank mates to avoid

Long-finned fish, slow fish, shrimp, snails (food), other puffers in small space

Care notes

Smallest pufferfish in the world. Surprisingly aggressive. Needs live snails to wear down constantly growing beak. Intelligent and personable.

Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.

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