Red-tailed redeye puffer

Carinotetraodon irrubesco

A red-tailed male with a pale side stripe and changeable colour

Adult males have a grey-brown body, a pale lateral stripe and a red tail. Females are more patterned. Found in freshwater forest waters in Indonesia.

Adult length: Up to 4.4 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–28 °C
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 2–12 dGH

Natural habitat: Usually collected among submerged vegetation along large-river banks, including sites with turbid brown water.

An individual may ignore another fish and later bite it.

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Appearance and identification

Expect individual territories rather than schooling. The male's red tail contrasts with the blotched, clear-tailed pea puffer. Other redeye puffers need sex-specific fin and pattern checks; a red eye alone is not enough.

Social behaviour and territory

Males defend space. Be ready to separate fish.

Compatibility limits

Shrimp and snails are potential food. Fast companions are no guarantee of protection.

Space requirements

Use roots, dense planting, shade, gentle flow and clean water. A 60 × 30 cm base is a suggested size.

Aquarium environment

Plants provide visual cover but do not make this species shrimp-safe.

Diet and feeding

Offer varied, suitably sized snails, crustaceans and live or frozen foods. Do not rely on prey in the tank or expect dry food to be accepted.

Sources