Pea Puffer

The Pea Puffer is a tiny but highly intelligent freshwater pufferfish packed with personality. Despite reaching only around 2.5–3 cm as an adult, these inquisitive little predators are active hunters and quickly learn to recognise their keeper. Their compact size, distinctive markings, and fascinating behaviour make them a popular choice for specialised freshwater aquariums.

Pea Puffers are best suited to experienced aquarists who can provide a heavily planted aquarium with plenty of visual barriers and hiding areas. Although small, they can be territorial and aggressive, particularly towards slow-moving or long-finned fish. A dedicated species aquarium is generally the safest option.

• Common Name: Pea Puffer / Dwarf Puffer
• Scientific Name: Carinotetraodon travancoricus
• Adult Size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
• Temperament: Territorial / semi-aggressive
• Care Level: Moderate
• Minimum Tank Size: Approximately 20 litres for a carefully managed individual, with substantially more space recommended for groups
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: Approximately 6.5–7.5
• Diet: Carnivorous
• Aquarium Level: All levels
• Aquascape: Heavily planted with plenty of hiding places and visual barriers
• Water Type: Freshwater — does not require brackish water

Feeding

Pea Puffers are carnivorous hunters and generally prefer frozen or live foods rather than standard flakes and pellets. Suitable foods include:

• Frozen or live bloodworms
• Brine shrimp
• Daphnia
• Blackworms
• Small snails
• Other appropriately sized meaty foods

Small pest snails can provide excellent enrichment by encouraging natural hunting behaviour. Feed small portions regularly and remove uneaten food to maintain good water quality.

Aquarium Care

A mature, heavily planted aquarium is recommended, with plants, driftwood, rocks, and caves used to create multiple territories and break lines of sight. This is particularly important when keeping more than one Pea Puffer.

Pea Puffers should not automatically be considered suitable for a standard community aquarium. They may nip the fins of other fish and can attack shrimp, snails, or other small tank inhabitants. When keeping a group, provide significantly more space, dense planting, and multiple separate territories to help reduce aggression.

Good filtration and stable water parameters are essential, but avoid excessively strong currents. Regular partial water changes will help maintain excellent water quality.

Shipping

• Australia-wide shipping available where permitted
• Fish are carefully packed for safe transport
• Local pickup available by appointment from Fins 'N' Feathers
• Shipping availability may depend on destination, weather conditions, and applicable biosecurity restrictions

Live Arrival

Please inspect livestock immediately upon arrival. If there is an issue with your order, contact us as soon as possible in accordance with our live arrival policy and provide clear photos of the fish in its unopened transport bag where applicable.

Actual size, colour, and pattern may vary between individual fish due to age, genetics, stress, and environmental conditions.