The Carinotetraodon travancoricus 0.7-1.3cm Wild (Carinotetraodon travancoricus), commonly known as the dwarf puffer or pea puffer, is offered in our freshwater section. This tiny pufferfish from South India is best suited to well-equipped, species-only aquariums with dense planting and carefully selected tankmates.

Behaviour and care

A very curious species that can also be territorial and fin-nipping, it is not recommended with slow-moving fish or long-finned species. Carinotetraodon travancoricus is best kept in a small group (4–6 specimens or more) in a well-structured tank with many hiding places and visual barriers. Provide a volume of at least 40 l (group), heavily planted. Use starter bacteria and check your water parameters regularly with water tests.

Feeding

A carnivore and specialised snail eater with a need for rich, varied food:

• Small aquarium snails (ramshorn, bladder snails, etc.) sized to fit their mouth
• Frozen foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, fine krill
• Small live foods: daphnia, larvae, microworms

It rarely accepts standard flakes; prefer appropriate meaty foods. Feed multiple small meals per day and remove uneaten food to maintain good water quality.

Water quality

• Ideal temperature: 24 – 28 °C
• pH: 6.8 – 7.8
• GH: 5 – 15 °dGH
• KH: 3 – 10 °dKH
• Conductivity: 150 – 400 µS

Before introducing the fish, treat the water with a water conditioner. Efficient filtration without excessive current (suitable filters) and regular maintenance (maintenance equipment, weekly water changes) ensure a healthy environment. This species is sensitive to nitrite spikes and pollution.

Decor and environment

Choose a neutral aquarium substrate and plenty of natural plants (mosses, fine-stem plants, crypts). Add roots, rocks and suitable decorations to create hiding places and visual barriers. Provide quality lighting with our aquarium lighting. Invertebrates (shrimp, ornamental snails) are usually considered food.

Care sheet

AquaBota tip

To keep aggression under control, maintain your dwarf puffers in a group in a densely planted tank with plenty of hiding places. Set up a dedicated culture of feeder snails to meet their specific dietary needs. Stability = success: monitor your parameters with water tests and carry out regular water changes.

Shipping and delivery of live fish

Fish are shipped with great care in a suitable insulated box, ensuring their safety during transport.

Shipping methods

• France Express (secure home delivery in France, Belgium and Luxembourg)
• Pickup in store in Sombreffe (Belgium)

Shipping schedule

• Order cut-off: every Monday at 10:00.
• France: shipments on Monday or Tuesday, depending on the delivery department, for delivery between Tuesday and Thursday.
• Belgium and Luxembourg: shipments on Monday and Tuesday for delivery between Tuesday and Wednesday.