Pea Puffer Fish Species Profile

Origin
Colors and Markings
Tankmates
Care
Diet and Feeding
Gender Differences
Further Research

A novel addition to the freshwater aquarium hobby, the Pea Pufferfish, known by many other names, is a very small member of the pufferfish family (Tetraodontidae). However, don’t let their small size and cute appearance trick you! Some of these tiny fish can be very aggressive, even against their own kind. Feed them a proper diet and provide lots of room to ensure a healthy and thriving population.

Species Overview

Common Names: Pea Puffer, Dwarf Puffer, Bumblebee Puffer, Malabar Puffer, Pygmy Puffer

Origin and Distribution

Native to the Western Ghats of India, these cute little fish have been in decline since their introduction to the aquarium hobby. The Pea Puffer is found in many of the lakes and rivers of this region of India. They are listed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation, right above endangered. Please consider this carefully before deciding to bring these fish home.

Colors and Markings

The Pea Puffer has a small, rounded body with a golden back that blends into a white or tan belly. Their back is covered in dark brown to black spots. Like many other puffers, their body is fairly round with eyes that slightly protrude from their pointed head. Their tail tapers to a point with a minimized dorsal fin and absent pelvic fins.

Tankmates

Due to their aggressive nature, there are few species that can be kept in the same aquarium. Most aquariums containing Pea Puffers will ONLY have Pea Puffers and no other fish. If putting them with other fish species, slow swimming fish will be nibbled on, so only fast swimmers should be housed with pufferfish. If you are adding these fish to an established aquarium, be sure they are the last to be added. It is best to always add the most aggressive species to a mixed-species tank last to give others room to call their own and claim places to hide.

Since they are carnivorous, it is not recommended to keep any invertebrates in their tank. They will become lunch for a ravenous Pea Puffer. This includes shrimp and snails.

Pea Puffer Habitat and Care

Pea Puffers like a well-maintained aquarium with lots of plants to hide in. Given their small nature, they are used to being snacks for larger fish, so providing cover, with either plants or other décor items, is critical to reducing their stress level. However, keep in mind that aquarium plants may affect your pH and oxygen levels, so make sure your tank can handle the bioload.

Pea Puffers tend to be more sensitive to poor water conditions than other freshwater species. It is critical for you to check your water chemistry and keep up with your regular maintenance.

Pea Puffer Diet and Feeding

Pea Puffers are carnivorous and require animal-based proteins in their diet. This will likely mean a wide variety of frozen foods in addition to a carnivore pellet. Keep in mind that vitamin content may become diminished in frozen diets, so a pelleted diet must be included to keep your Pea Puffer healthy. If your Pea Puffer is reluctant to eat a pelleted diet, be sure to feed a varied diet to round out their nutritional intake.

Gender Differences

As with many fish species, if all your puffers are roughly the same age and being fed the same diet, the female Pea Puffers will tend to be larger than males. Males also may have a black line on their belly.

Male Pea Puffers can be very territorial, so it is recommended to keep only one male per aquarium, or have an extra large tank with lots of space so there are no territory overlaps.

Breeding the Pea Puffer

Many hobbyists have had extreme difficulty breeding the Pea Puffer. Some have found certain aquarium plants and mosses to be more conducive to successful breeding, but this is not guaranteed.

With a healthy population of one male and his female harem, usually, the fish will spawn all at once, provided the correct environmental parameters have been met. Exact specifications for this species is unknown; most spawning occurs through much trial and error. It is highly recommended to move the eggs to a breeding tank to prevent predation post-hatch.

More Pet Fish Species and Further Research

If you are interested in pufferfish, here is some more helpful related information:

Figure 8 Puffer Fish Species Profile
Whitespotted Puffer
All About Pufferfish Species

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Origin and Distribution#

Colors and Markings#

Tankmates#

Pea Puffer Habitat and Care#

Pea Puffer Diet and Feeding#

Gender Differences#

Breeding the Pea Puffer#

More Pet Fish Species and Further Research#

More from The Spruce Pets#