Imitator Puffer

Carinotetraodon imitator is a dwarf puffer from the rivers of southern India, living in sympatry with C. travancoricus in some locations. It is slightly larger and shows marginally more tolerance toward conspecifics in well-structured tanks. Like all Carinotetraodon, it requires a diet of live or frozen invertebrates and snails to prevent beak overgrowth.

Water: 24–28°C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; excellent filtration and weekly water changes required. Tank: Minimum 40 L; dense planting with Java fern, Anubias, and floating cover to reduce aggression. Feeding: Ramshorn snails, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, and small crustaceans. Behaviour: Slightly more tolerant than Pea Puffer but still a confirmed fin-nipper; keep in species-only setup. Compatibility: Species-only; do not mix with other puffer species.