MISC – PUFFER FW PEA / DWARF
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
$14.99 – $19.99
The Freshwater [FW] Pea Puffer, also known as the Dwarf Pea Puffer or simply Dwarf Puffer, is found in thirteen different freshwater rivers of Peninsular India. One of the most popular pufferfish for their huge personality and tiny adult size, hobbyists should keep in mind the somewhat specialized care requirements of these fish (see ‘Care Requirements’ below). Pea puffers are typically yellow, beige, or greenish in color with a series of brown spots. In the wild, these pufferfish are found in shoals of their own kind and this is important to replicate in the home aquarium not only for socialization, but for security. We recommend no fewer than 6 Pea puffers be kept together, but more are certainly encouraged! It has been observed that when a single Pea puffer is kept alone, it can be more stressed or withdrawn, and may even act out aggressively toward other tank mates due to fear. Pea puffers will help control nuisance snails, such as Malaysian Trumpets (Melanoides tuberculata), that come in on live aquatic plants. An adult Pea puffer can reach a size of approximately 1″. Note: Imported, commercial fishery, and captive-bred Pea puffers all have a risk of harboring internal parasitic worms. All of the Pea puffers for sale here at Aquatics Unlmited have been dewormed prior to sale to ensure you’re receiving healthy individuals.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Freshwater [FW] Pea Puffer, also known as the Dwarf Pea Puffer or simply Dwarf Puffer, is found in thirteen different freshwater rivers of Peninsular India. One of the most popular pufferfish for their huge personality and tiny adult size, hobbyists should keep in mind the somewhat specialized care requirements of these fish (see ‘Care Requirements’ below). Pea puffers are typically yellow, beige, or greenish in color with a series of brown spots. In the wild, these pufferfish are found in shoals of their own kind and this is important to replicate in the home aquarium not only for socialization, but for security. We recommend no fewer than 6 Pea puffers be kept together, but more are certainly encouraged! It has been observed that when a single Pea puffer is kept alone, it can be more stressed or withdrawn, and may even act out aggressively toward other tank mates due to fear. Pea puffers will help control nuisance snails, such as Malaysian Trumpets (Melanoides tuberculata), that come in on live aquatic plants. An adult Pea puffer can reach a size of approximately 1″. Note: Imported, commercial fishery, and captive-bred Pea puffers all have a risk of harboring internal parasitic worms. All of the Pea puffers for sale here at Aquatics Unlmited have been dewormed prior to sale to ensure you’re receiving healthy individuals.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Pea puffers are carnivores. A diet made up of various high quality frozen foods is necessary, including bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Puffers should also be regularly given snails to ensure their teeth do not become overgrown, which can cause health complications. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your puffer. Live foods, such as blackworms, are an entertaining treat. Puffers may accept the above foods in freeze-dried form, but this is not always guaranteed.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 15 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group (n=6) of Pea puffers. Size up accordingly for a larger shoal. These pufferfish are exclusively freshwater, and should not be put into a brackish environment. The addition of a standard tablespoon per 5 gallons of water of FW aquarium salt is safe for Pea puffers, however. Puffers should never be added into a biologically immature aquarium, as they are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters favorable (Nitrates < 15 ppm), as they cannot withstand deteriorating water conditions. Given the environments in which they come from, Pea puffers like gentle water flow that is typically achieved by the use of a sponge filter. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a darker substrate and dense live vegetation. This type of aquascape not only provides stimulation for these inquisitive fish, but also creates a number of visual barriers between individual Pea puffers if needed. Pea puffers would also benefit from some floating plants, as this better mimics their natural environment and diffuses light. Mixing Pea puffers in a community tank can be challenging given their hit-or-miss nippy behavior. Avoid fish with decorative fins. Pea puffers are not strong swimmers, so tank mates do need to be selected carefully in order to not outcompete them in food resources. Recommended water conditions, 74-78° F, KH 5-20, pH 6.5-7.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1/2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.