Size
2 cm
Physical Characteristics
Over their dorsal surfaces and sides, they have black iridescent spots covering their yellowish-golden body. Pea puffers have a similar appearance in both sexes, however males appear to have more vivid colors than females. They have short pectoral fins that resemble fans and have an indent near the tip.
Temperament
Although it can occasionally be somewhat territorial and aggressive, it can make a wonderful addition to many community aquariums that contain plants, small fish, and some invertebrates.
Habitat
Freshwater pufferfish that reside in big communities and migrate are known as pea puffers. They can only be found in the Western Ghats of southern Karnataka and Kerala, where they are native to the estuaries, rivers, and lakes.
Keeping as Pet
- Tank Size
A single pea puffer can be kept in a 5 gallon (19 litre) tank, though bigger is generally preferable. It’s advisable to offer 5 gallons per fish if you wish to keep many puffers. So, two should fit in a 10 gallon (39 litre), three in a 15 gallon (57 litre), and so on.
- Water Parameters
Pea puffers raised in tanks can adapt to a greater variety of water conditions.
Temperature: 23°–28°C (74–82°F)
Nitrogen/Ammonia: 0
20 ppm of nitrate
GH: 3-20 dGH KH: 3-10 dKH pH: 7.0-7.5
- Feeding
Since they are solely carnivorous, these fish often only eat live or frozen meals.
Frozen and live foods include:
- Bloodworms
- California black worms
- Daphnia
- Mysis shrimp
- Adult brine shrimp
- Small snails
- Tank mates
Although these fish appear small and adorable, they are well known for biting their tank mates. Although they can’t swallow larger fish whole, their tiny beaks are highly keen and can slice through much larger fish. Additionally, bigger fish can easily devour the little puffer fish whole.
Indeed, it’s better to keep these tiny maniacs in a tank with only their own kind. The Otocinclus catfish is the only exception I’ve heard of. According to reports, puffers will just overlook cats.
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