Redeye puffer

Carinotetraodon lorteti

Male red median fins, a grey-black tail and an unbarred throat

Males have grey-olive sides, red eyes, reddish dorsal and anal fins and a dark, pale-edged tail. Females differ.

Adult length: Up to 6 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–28 °C
pH: 5–7.5
Hardness: 1–12 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits standing or slow-flowing freshwater, including medium and large rivers.

Territorial fin biting means small size is no guide to safety.

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Appearance and identification

The clear pectoral base separates it from C. borneensis, and the unbarred throat and flanks separate it from C. salivator. Check sex and several traits together, not red eyes alone.

Social behaviour and territory

Keep separately; groups need observation and a way to separate fish.

Space requirements

Use shaded roots, plants and gentle circulation. A 60 × 30 cm base is a suggested size.

Aquarium environment

Plant cover does not remove the risk of predation.

Diet and feeding

Offer varied shelled invertebrates and live or frozen foods.

Sources