Dwarf Pufferfish

Carinotetraodon travancoricus

Dwarf Pufferfish is a middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

AggressiveMiddle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Dwarf Pufferfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1" (≤ 2.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 77–82°F (25–28°C)
pH: 7.2–7.5
GH: 7–12 dGH
KH: 4–10 dKH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 25–28 °C, pH 7.2–7.5, GH 7–12 dGH, KH 4–10 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Dwarf Pufferfish is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Provide a varied diet of small live/frozen invertebrates and appropriate small snails; do not expect acceptance of dry flakes.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: India.

Important notes

Pea Puffer is a true freshwater invertebrate predator and frequent fin-nipper. Expert guidance CONFLICTS on long-term solitary welfare; a six-fish group needs documented space/cover, not a fish-per-litre rule.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Avacado Pufferfish Auriglobus modestus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar group behavior Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar group behavior Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar group behavior Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Dwarf Pufferfish get?

Dwarf Pufferfish reaches ≤ 1" (≤ 2.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Dwarf Pufferfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Dwarf Pufferfish peaceful?

Dwarf Pufferfish should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive behavior can limit companion options.

What temperature is suitable for Dwarf Pufferfish?

Keep it between 25 to 28 °C.

Should Dwarf Pufferfish be kept alone or in a group?

Dwarf Pufferfish: Keep in a loose group of 6+.