Pea Puffer Fish - Twin Falls Zoo

The Pea Puffer Fish (Carinotetraodon travancoricus), also known as the Dwarf Puffer Fish, is a small freshwater species native to the rivers of Kerala and southern Karnataka in India. Typically measuring just 2.5 to 3.5 cm in length, they are one of the smallest pufferfish species. Despite their diminutive size, they are vividly colored, featuring intricate patterns of green and yellow hues across their bodies, punctuated by dark spots that can vary in intensity and number among individuals. Their round, bulbous shape and ability to inflate themselves when threatened are characteristic traits of pufferfish.

Pea Puffers are found in densely vegetated rivers and lakes where the water is warm and slightly acidic. They thrive in environments with plenty of hiding spots among plants and debris, which protect from predators and ample foraging opportunities. These habitats often have a substrate of fine sand or silt where these puffers can explore for food. The water flow is typically gentle, allowing for stable living conditions conducive to their small size and specific needs.

Pea Puffer Fish are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a diet rich in small invertebrates such as brine shrimp, worms, and small crustaceans. They are known for their voracious appetite for snails, making them popular in the aquarium trade for controlling snail populations. Reproduction involves the male guarding the female during egg laying, which occurs on the underside of leaves or other submerged surfaces. The ecological role of Pea Puffers includes controlling the populations of small aquatic invertebrates, thus influencing the balance of their native ecosystems. Their specialized feeding habits and the need for specific habitat conditions make them sensitive to environmental changes and habitat degradation.

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