Travancoricus Kerala Highland Form

Collected from hill streams of the Western Ghats in Kerala, this form of Carinotetraodon travancoricus displays bolder and more vivid yellow-green colouration compared to lowland populations, potentially reflecting diet differences and cleaner, harder water in upland habitats. It is slightly more demanding of water flow and oxygenation than typical lowland specimens and benefits from gentle surface agitation. Care otherwise follows standard pea puffer protocol: dense planting, small snails as the dietary cornerstone, and avoidance of fin-nipping tankmates. This form is occasionally available from specialist importers who collect specifically from Western Ghats drainages and is prized by collectors aware of the differences.

Water: pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 22–27°C, soft to moderate; good oxygenation; gentle current beneficial. Tank: 40 L minimum; heavily planted; provide some flow with spray bar or powerhead on low setting. Feeding: Small snails essential; frozen cyclops, daphnia, baby brine shrimp, micro-pellets accepted by some. Breeding: Identical to lowland C. travancoricus; egg scatterer; remove adults post-spawning. Compatibility: Similar to standard pea puffer; small peaceful tankmates acceptable; avoid nippy species.