Dwarf Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) (Sub/Adults) 1-1.5 cm

Description

Dwarf Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus)

Tiny, intelligent and packed with personality, the Dwarf Pea Puffer is one of the world's smallest freshwater puffers. Despite reaching only a few centimetres in length, these captivating fish display remarkable curiosity, individual personalities and hunting behaviour that make them one of the most rewarding nano aquarium species available.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Carinotetraodon travancoricus
  • Common name: Dwarf Pea Puffer, Pea Puffer, Pygmy Puffer
  • Current size: Approximately 2–3 cm (Sub-Adults/Adults)
  • Adult size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
  • Tank size: 30L+ for a small group
  • Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate
  • Temperament: Territorial, intelligent micro predator
  • Origin: Locally bred in Australia

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want one of the most intelligent nano fish available.
  • You enjoy observing natural hunting behaviour.
  • You're setting up a species-focused planted aquarium.
  • You appreciate fish with distinct individual personalities.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You want a peaceful community fish.
  • You keep ornamental shrimp or snails that you wish to preserve.
  • You cannot provide frozen or live meaty foods.
  • You prefer passive schooling fish.

Why choose Dwarf Pea Puffers?

The Dwarf Pea Puffer may be tiny, but it behaves like a true predator. Constantly exploring every corner of the aquarium, these inquisitive fish quickly learn to recognise their keeper and will often swim to the front of the tank at feeding time.

Unlike many nano fish, Pea Puffers are highly interactive and display unique personalities. Some are bold and inquisitive, while others are cautious observers. Their independently moving eyes allow them to scan their surroundings while stalking tiny prey, making them endlessly fascinating to watch.

Our fish are locally bred here in Australia, meaning they are well acclimated to Australian aquarium conditions and have not endured the stress of international importation.

We can safely ship this species throughout Australia, including residential addresses.

Benefits

  • Locally bred Australian stock
  • Suitable for shipping Australia-wide
  • One of the smallest freshwater pufferfish
  • Highly intelligent and interactive
  • Unique hunting behaviour
  • Ideal feature fish for planted nano aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28°C
  • pH: 6.8–7.8
  • Diet: Live and frozen foods including bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and small snails
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle flow
  • Setup: Heavily planted aquarium with driftwood, rocks and numerous visual barriers
  • Best kept in species-only aquariums or with carefully selected peaceful tank mates.
  • Regular feeding with meaty foods is essential, as Pea Puffers rarely accept algae-based or herbivorous diets.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Species-only aquarium (recommended)
  • Amano Shrimp (with caution)
  • Otocinclus (experienced keepers only)
  • Fast-moving micro fish only in carefully planned setups
NTA Insight:
Pea Puffers are often purchased because of their tiny size, but they're best appreciated for their intelligence. They quickly learn feeding routines, investigate anything new introduced into the aquarium and actively hunt pest snails. We strongly recommend a heavily planted aquarium with plenty of sight breaks, as this significantly reduces territorial disputes and encourages natural behaviour. Being locally bred, our fish adapt exceptionally well to Australian home aquariums.

FAQ

Are these imported fish?

No. These are locally bred Australian fish, born and raised in Australia, making them well adapted to local aquarium conditions.

Can you ship them anywhere in Australia?

Yes. We can safely ship our locally bred Dwarf Pea Puffers throughout Australia, including residential addresses.

Do Pea Puffers eat snails?

Yes. They naturally prey on small snails and are often used to help control pest snail populations. However, they should still receive a varied diet of frozen and live foods.

Can they live in a community aquarium?

While possible in some carefully planned aquariums, they are generally happiest in species-only setups. They may nip fins and can harass slower tank mates.

How many Pea Puffers should I keep?

A single fish can thrive in a suitably sized aquarium, while groups should be housed in larger, heavily planted tanks with abundant visual barriers. Keeping more females than males generally helps reduce territorial behaviour.

Do they puff up?

Yes, like all pufferfish they can inflate as a defence mechanism. However, this should only occur during extreme stress and should never be intentionally triggered.

How long do Dwarf Pea Puffers live?

With excellent water quality, appropriate nutrition and proper care, Dwarf Pea Puffers commonly live between 4 and 6 years.

Dwarf Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) (Sub/Adults) 1-1.5 cm

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Out of stock,  

$99.00  $79.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Dwarf Pea Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus)

    Tiny, intelligent and packed with personality, the Dwarf Pea Puffer is one of the world's smallest freshwater puffers. Despite reaching only a few centimetres in length, these captivating fish display remarkable curiosity, individual personalities and hunting behaviour that make them one of the most rewarding nano aquarium species available.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Carinotetraodon travancoricus
    • Common name: Dwarf Pea Puffer, Pea Puffer, Pygmy Puffer
    • Current size: Approximately 2–3 cm (Sub-Adults/Adults)
    • Adult size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
    • Tank size: 30L+ for a small group
    • Difficulty: 🟡 Moderate
    • Temperament: Territorial, intelligent micro predator
    • Origin: Locally bred in Australia

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want one of the most intelligent nano fish available.
    • You enjoy observing natural hunting behaviour.
    • You're setting up a species-focused planted aquarium.
    • You appreciate fish with distinct individual personalities.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You want a peaceful community fish.
    • You keep ornamental shrimp or snails that you wish to preserve.
    • You cannot provide frozen or live meaty foods.
    • You prefer passive schooling fish.

    Why choose Dwarf Pea Puffers?

    The Dwarf Pea Puffer may be tiny, but it behaves like a true predator. Constantly exploring every corner of the aquarium, these inquisitive fish quickly learn to recognise their keeper and will often swim to the front of the tank at feeding time.

    Unlike many nano fish, Pea Puffers are highly interactive and display unique personalities. Some are bold and inquisitive, while others are cautious observers. Their independently moving eyes allow them to scan their surroundings while stalking tiny prey, making them endlessly fascinating to watch.

    Our fish are locally bred here in Australia, meaning they are well acclimated to Australian aquarium conditions and have not endured the stress of international importation.

    We can safely ship this species throughout Australia, including residential addresses.

    Benefits

    • Locally bred Australian stock
    • Suitable for shipping Australia-wide
    • One of the smallest freshwater pufferfish
    • Highly intelligent and interactive
    • Unique hunting behaviour
    • Ideal feature fish for planted nano aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28°C
    • pH: 6.8–7.8
    • Diet: Live and frozen foods including bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and small snails
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle flow
    • Setup: Heavily planted aquarium with driftwood, rocks and numerous visual barriers
    • Best kept in species-only aquariums or with carefully selected peaceful tank mates.
    • Regular feeding with meaty foods is essential, as Pea Puffers rarely accept algae-based or herbivorous diets.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Species-only aquarium (recommended)
    • Amano Shrimp (with caution)
    • Otocinclus (experienced keepers only)
    • Fast-moving micro fish only in carefully planned setups
    NTA Insight:
    Pea Puffers are often purchased because of their tiny size, but they're best appreciated for their intelligence. They quickly learn feeding routines, investigate anything new introduced into the aquarium and actively hunt pest snails. We strongly recommend a heavily planted aquarium with plenty of sight breaks, as this significantly reduces territorial disputes and encourages natural behaviour. Being locally bred, our fish adapt exceptionally well to Australian home aquariums.

    FAQ

    Are these imported fish?

    No. These are locally bred Australian fish, born and raised in Australia, making them well adapted to local aquarium conditions.

    Can you ship them anywhere in Australia?

    Yes. We can safely ship our locally bred Dwarf Pea Puffers throughout Australia, including residential addresses.

    Do Pea Puffers eat snails?

    Yes. They naturally prey on small snails and are often used to help control pest snail populations. However, they should still receive a varied diet of frozen and live foods.

    Can they live in a community aquarium?

    While possible in some carefully planned aquariums, they are generally happiest in species-only setups. They may nip fins and can harass slower tank mates.

    How many Pea Puffers should I keep?

    A single fish can thrive in a suitably sized aquarium, while groups should be housed in larger, heavily planted tanks with abundant visual barriers. Keeping more females than males generally helps reduce territorial behaviour.

    Do they puff up?

    Yes, like all pufferfish they can inflate as a defence mechanism. However, this should only occur during extreme stress and should never be intentionally triggered.

    How long do Dwarf Pea Puffers live?

    With excellent water quality, appropriate nutrition and proper care, Dwarf Pea Puffers commonly live between 4 and 6 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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