Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Red-eye Puffer
Carinotetraodon lorteti
Also called Redeye puffer, Crested puffer, Somphong's puffer
Easily startled and likes to stay close to plant cover.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Length | 6 to 7 cm (2 to 3 in)123 |
| Coat | Scaleless round pufferfish |
| Origin | Southeast Asia: Indochina (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam), Malaysia and Indonesia.13 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
Easily startled and likes to stay close to plant cover. It has a strong personality and tends to nip fins, so it is best kept on its own or in a dedicated species tank.32
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Red-eye Puffer. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Looks how to spot one
Scaleless round pufferfish
A small, compact puffer with striking red eyes. Mature males grow a raised keel along the back and belly, which gives the species its 'crested' name.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A slow-moving fish of calm water that patrols plants and roots for small prey.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Water about 24-28 C, pH roughly 6.5-7.0 (tolerates 5.0-7.5) and soft to moderately hard water. Feed shelled snails or small crustaceans regularly to keep its ever-growing teeth worn down.12
Home where they are happiest
A tank with at least a 60 x 30 cm footprint (about 54 litres), filled with plants and driftwood and only gentle water flow.23
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivorous: snails, small crustaceans, chopped shellfish, small earthworms and live or frozen bloodworms.12
Company who they like around
Best kept alone; a group is only possible in a large, densely planted tank with plenty of hiding places.2
The story where it all began
Described by Tirant in 1885 and named after French zoologist Louis Charles Emile Lortet. It has been sold under other names, including Tetraodon somphongsi, after Thai fish collector Somphong Lek-aree.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List (via FishBase)
- Least Concern (assessed 2011).1
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Red-eye Puffer?
Feed your Red-eye Puffer small amounts once or twice a day. Pet Wiki's starting plan is to feed daily, but always check the food label and ask your vet for the exact portion size.1 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Red-eye Puffer eat, and what should it never eat?
This carnivore loves snails, small crustaceans, chopped shellfish, small earthworms, and live or frozen bloodworms. Never feed it anything that isn't meaty, and avoid any foods that could harm its teeth or digestion.12
How much space does a Red-eye Puffer need?
Your puffer needs a tank with at least a 60 x 30 cm footprint, which is about 54 litres. Fill it with plants and driftwood, and keep the water flow gentle.23
What temperature, light or water does a Red-eye Puffer need?
Keep the water at 24-28°C, with a pH of 6.5-7.0 (it can tolerate 5.0-7.5) and soft to moderately hard water. Provide gentle light and calm water, as this fish is easily startled.12
How often should I clean a Red-eye Puffer's home?
Pet Wiki's plan suggests a 25% water change and glass cleaning every week, plus a monthly filter rinse using old tank water. Test the water weekly to keep conditions stable. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Red-eye Puffer live with others?
It's best kept alone because it nips fins and has a strong personality. A group is only possible in a large, densely planted tank with many hiding places.32
How long does a Red-eye Puffer live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, please ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Red-eye Puffer?
No, you should never handle this fish. It is easily startled and has a scaleless body that can be damaged by handling.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Carinotetraodon lorteti fishbase.seused for size, origin, water parameters, IUCN, diet, fun facts
- Seriously Fish: Carinotetraodon lorteti seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, diet, compatibility, dimorphism, history
- Wikipedia: Carinotetraodon lorteti en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, appearance, behaviour, habitat, naming
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.