Puffer-Pea

All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.

When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.

ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra

Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus)

Description:

• Appearance:

  • Size: Small, typically around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length.
  • Color: Generally a bright green or yellowish-green with small, dark spots or stripes. Some may exhibit a more yellow or orange hue.
  • Body Shape: Compact, round body with a beak-like mouth. Can puff up when threatened.

• Behavior:

  • Activity Level: Highly active and curious. Enjoys exploring their environment.
  • Social Behavior: Can be territorial and aggressive, especially towards other Pea Puffers or small fish. Best kept in a species-only tank or with very compatible tank mates.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum: 10 gallons (38 liters) for a small group. They do well in smaller setups compared to larger puffers, but more space is always better.

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel is ideal. Avoid sharp or coarse substrates.
  • Decorations: Provide plenty of hiding spots and structures such as plants, driftwood, and rocks. These fish like to have places to explore and hide.
  • Plants: Live plants are beneficial for creating hiding spots and providing a more natural environment.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C). Maintain a stable temperature within this range.
  • pH: 6.5-7.5. Slightly acidic to neutral water is preferable.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
  • Filtration: Good filtration is important, but avoid strong currents. Sponge filters are often preferred to avoid water movement that can stress the fish.

• Diet:

  • Primary Food: Carnivorous. Feed high-quality live or frozen foods such as small snails, bloodworms, and daphnia. They need a diet rich in protein.
  • Supplemental Food: Occasionally, you can offer small live or frozen crustaceans and worms. Ensure food items are small enough for them to eat.

• Behavioral Considerations:

  • Compatibility: Best kept in a species-only tank or with very peaceful, similarly sized fish. Avoid keeping with aggressive or larger fish.
  • Tank Mates: Some suitable tank mates include small, non-aggressive fish or invertebrates. Avoid other puffers and fast-moving or fin-nipping species.

• Tank Maintenance:

  • Water Changes: Regular water changes of 25-30% weekly are recommended to maintain water quality.
  • Cleaning: Monitor the tank regularly and clean the substrate and decorations to prevent buildup of waste.

• Health Care:

  • Observation: Keep an eye on their behavior and appearance. Watch for signs of stress, such as loss of appetite or unusual swimming patterns.
  • Treatment: Maintain high water quality to prevent diseases. Consult an aquatic veterinarian if health issues arise.

• Additional Notes:

  • Lifespan: Typically 5-7 years with proper care.
  • Behavioral Trait: Pea Puffers have small, sharp teeth that grow continuously and need to gnaw on hard substances like snails or other suitable foods to keep their beak from overgrowing.