Striped redeye puffer

Carinotetraodon salivator

Head and body bars, a pale lower lip and a red male underside

Males have dark bars on the head, throat and flanks, a red-orange underside and a pale patch on the lower lip. Females differ.

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

Native range: Asia: Sarawak, Malaysia.

Natural habitat: Inhabits larger, relatively fast streams over sand or soft silt, with leaf litter and submerged logs.

Males remain territorial even though they are relatively mild.

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Appearance and identification

The bars separate it from unbarred C. lorteti; the dorsal and anal fins are relatively clear. Origin in Sarawak matters; red-eyed puffers are not interchangeable.

Social behaviour and territory

Groups need space and cover.

Space requirements

Provide roots, plants, retreats and some circulation; strong jets are not needed everywhere.

Aquarium environment

Plants divide sight lines but do not protect shrimp or snails.

Diet and feeding

Offer snails and varied live or frozen foods; check that each fish feeds.

Sources