Indian Puffer
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
Family: Tetraodontidae • Origin: Various
Indian Puffer (Carinotetraodon travancoricus) is a semi-aggressive other reaching 1 inches. Can be kept singly. Minimum tank: 5 gallons.
Is Indian Puffer Right for Your Tank?
Indian Puffer is a moderate-care fish rated "advanced" (3/5). Suitable for hobbyists with some experience who can maintain stable water parameters. At just 5 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.
Indian Puffer is semi-aggressive — they can live with others but may bully smaller or slower fish. Choose tank mates carefully. They are territorial — provide adequate hiding spots and maintain enough space to reduce aggression. Expected lifespan: 1 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Indian Puffer
Relying on a heater without a thermometer
Indian Puffer needs 74–82°F. Heaters malfunction or drift over time — always use a separate thermometer to verify. Temperature swings of even 3–4°F can trigger stress and disease, particularly ich.
Putting them in a tank under 5 gallons
While 5 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (8 gal) is much more forgiving.
Housing with peaceful nano fish
Indian Puffer is semi-aggressive and territorial — small, peaceful species like neon tetras, endlers, or celestial pearl danios will be stressed, bullied, or eaten. Choose tank mates that can hold their own.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 1"
- • Temp: 74-82°F
- • pH: 6.5-7.5
- • Can be kept alone
- • semi-aggressive temperament
Feeding: Standard carnivore diet for Tetraodontidae.
Compatibility Notes: Typical semi-aggressive Tetraodontidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 5 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 8 gallons
- Swimming Level
- middle
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 74–82°F
- pH Range
- 6.5–7.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive
- Aggression Level
- 3/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- Yes
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- carnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical semi-aggressive Tetraodontidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- difficult
- Lifespan
- 1 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Rummy Nose Tetra
Hemigrammus rhodostomus
Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Similar Species
Dwarf Pea Puffer
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
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Dario dario
Figure 8 Puffer
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Amazon Puffer
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