Dwarf Indian Puffer, lat. Carinotetraodon travancoricus- Carinotetraodon travancoricus distribution
Family: Tetraodontidae;
Genus: Carinotetraodon;
Species and synonyms: Dwarf Indian Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus, Dwarf Indian Puffer, Pea Puffer, Malabar Pufferfish).
GBIF:
Dwarf Indian Puffer (lat. Carinotetraodon travancoricus) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Tetraodontiformes, family Tetraodontidae, genus Carinotetraodon. One of the smallest representatives of pufferfish in the aquarium hobby.
Distribution. The natural range of the Dwarf Indian Puffer covers rivers and streams of India, mainly in the state of Kerala (southern India). The fish prefer slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in small rivers, streams and floodplain lakes with dense vegetation.
Care requirements. The Dwarf Indian Puffer is a dwarf fish that grows up to 2–3 cm in the aquarium. To keep a group (minimum 3–5 specimens), an aquarium of at least 40 liters with a length of 40 cm is recommended. It is important to keep them in a species-only aquarium, as they may show aggression towards tankmates. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Filtration with moderate flow, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Sandy or fine gravel substrate, driftwood, stones and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants are planted in the substrate, creating dense thickets.
Dwarf Indian Puffers are predators, feeding on small invertebrates, worms and insect larvae in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of live and frozen foods (bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, daphnia, snails). It is important to provide protein-rich food. Feed should be 1–2 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Dwarf Indian Puffers are active in the lower and middle water layers. They are territorial and aggressive towards conspecifics and other fish. It is recommended to keep them in a species-only aquarium with plenty of shelters. It is not recommended to keep them with slow-moving or small fish, as well as with fish that may compete for food.
Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. Dwarf Indian Puffers are egg-laying fish, spawning on plant leaves or fine substrates. They reach sexual maturity at 6–8 months. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh, soft and slightly acidic water, with a temperature increase to 28°C, are recommended. The male guards the eggs. Eggs incubate for 7–10 days, fry are fed infusoria, Artemia nauplii and fine dry food.
The Dwarf Indian Puffer gets its name from its miniature size and ability to puff up when threatened. The body is rounded, greenish-yellow with dark spots. Males have brighter coloration and a characteristic dark stripe on the abdomen. It is one of the few fish that can be kept even in nano-aquariums. Life expectancy is 4–6 years.