Malabar pufferfish

The dwarf puffer, also known as the Malabar or pea puffer, is one of the smallest puffer species in the world and certainly one of the most popular, treasured for its cute appearance, amusing personality, and fascinating swimming motion. Endemic to the state of Kerala in southern India, it inhabits sluggish, heavily-vegetated inland waters, typically staying close to cover. Adults reach only 2.5 cm (1 inch), making them one of the most diminutive fish regularly found in the trade.

Despite their small size, dwarf puffers are not recommended for community tanks — they tend to nip the fins of slow-moving or long-finned fish and do not compete well for food with more active species. They are best kept in a species-only setup, either singly in a tank as small as 12.6 litres or in a group with careful management. A heavily-planted aquarium with twisted roots and broken lines of sight is essential to reduce aggression, and floating plants to diffuse lighting encourage more confident behaviour.

Water conditions should be 22-28°C, pH 6.8-8.0, with moderate hardness. As with all puffers, diet is critical — they relish snails (essential for keeping their continuously-growing teeth ground down), shellfish, worms, and other live and frozen foods. Dried foods are not usually accepted. They are sensitive to deteriorating water conditions, making regular partial water changes essential. With proper care, these tiny puffers reward their keeper with years of engaging, inquisitive behaviour.