Travancoricus Sri Lanka Form

This Sri Lankan wild-collected form of Carinotetraodon travancoricus shows subtly darker dorsal patterning and a marginally stockier body than mainland Indian specimens, likely reflecting the genetic isolation of the island population. The care requirements are identical to all C. travancoricus: a heavily planted nano aquarium, clean soft to neutral water, and a diet rich in small snails supplemented with tiny frozen foods. This species is the world's smallest puffer and one of the most personality-packed fish per centimetre in the hobby. A small group of three or more in a well-planted 40-litre provides an entertaining display as individuals compete for territories among plant stems.

Water: pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 24–28°C, soft to moderately hard; pristine; weekly 20–30% changes. Tank: 40 L for a small group; dense planting essential; moss, Java fern, floating plants for refuge. Feeding: Small snails paramount for beak health; frozen bloodworm, cyclops, daphnia, brine shrimp nauplii. Breeding: Egg scatterer among plants; eggs hatch in 5–7 days; raise fry on infusoria then micro-foods. Compatibility: Keep with small peaceful tankmates or in species tank; avoid fin-nippers completely.