Dwarf pufferfish

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Carinotetraodon
Dwarf pufferCarinotetraodon travancoricus
Dwarf puffer
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Family: Tetraodontidae
Genus: Carinotetraodon
Species: C. travancoricus
Binomial name
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
(S. L. Hora & K. K. Nair, 1941)

The dwarf pufferfish, also known as the Malabar pufferfish, Carinotetraodon travancoricus is a small, freshwater pufferfish endemic to the River Pamba in Kerala, Southwest India. Maximum size is 22 mm (less than one inch), making it one of the smallest pufferfish in the world.[1] Although closely related to marine pufferfish, they are not found in brackish or salt water, and reports to the contrary are based on misidentification.[2]

Contents

[edit] Appearance

Both sexes are essentially yellow with dark green to black, iridescent patches on the flanks and dorsal surface, but as with other members of the genus sexual dimorphism is apparent, with males being more brightly coloured than females.[3]

[edit] Reproduction

Dwarf pufferfish scatter their eggs on the substrate hidden within vegetation. The eggs are fertilised externally. They do not guard their eggs or fry.[4][5]

[edit] Conservation

Dwarf pufferfish are not used as food but are traded as aquarium fish.[6] Although not currently on the IUCN Red List some authorities believe this species may be endangered.[7]

[edit] Diet

The diet of dwarf pufferfish in the wild has not be reported, but other members of the genus feed on zooplankton and various benthic crustaceans and molluscs.[8] Food items of specimens maintained in aquaria appears to be similar.[9]

[edit] Dwarf pufferfish in aquaria

Dwarf pufferfish have become quite popular aquarium fish thanks to their attractive colours, small size, and relative ease of maintenance.[10]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Ebert, Klaus (2001). The Puffers of Fresh and Brackish Water, p 19. Aqualog, ISBN 393170260X.
  2. ^ Schäfer F. Brackish Water Fishes, p 34. Aqualog 2005, ISBN 3-936027-82-X
  3. ^ Ebert, Klaus (2001). The Puffers of Fresh and Brackish Water, pp 46-49. Aqualog, ISBN 393170260X.
  4. ^ Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors.. Reproduction Summary: Carinotetraodon travancoricus. FishBase. Retrieved on 2007-03-07.
  5. ^ Wenzel, R. (2004). Carinotetraodon travancoricus. Die Aquarien- und Terrarienzeitschrift 1/2004:36-37
  6. ^ Ebert, Klaus (2001). The Puffers of Fresh and Brackish Water, p 19. Aqualog, ISBN 393170260X.
  7. ^ "Carinotetraodon travancoricus". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. March 2007 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2007.
  8. ^ Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors.. Food Items Reported for Carinotetraodon lorteti. FishBase. Retrieved on 2007-03-07.
  9. ^ Ebert, Klaus (2001). The Puffers of Fresh and Brackish Water, p 19. Aqualog, ISBN 393170260X.
  10. ^ Ebert, Klaus (2001). The Puffers of Fresh and Brackish Water, p 19. Aqualog, ISBN 393170260X.

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org../../../d/w/a/Dwarf_pufferfish.html"