Red Eye Puffer (Carrinotetraodon irrubesco )

Vivid, compact, and wonderfully characterful — the Red Eye Puffer (Carinotetraodon irrubesco), also known as the Irrubesco Puffer or Red-eyed Puffer, is a beautiful and somewhat uncommon dwarf pufferfish from the rivers of Borneo. Prized for its striking red eyes and attractive colouration, this small but feisty pufferfish is a rewarding species for aquarists who want something a little different from the standard Pea Puffer.

Overview

Appearance

The Red Eye Puffer displays a compact, rounded body with a warm brown to olive-green base colouration adorned with darker mottling and spots. The most distinctive feature is the vivid red to orange-red eyes that give this species its common name — striking and immediately eye-catching. Males display more vivid colouration and a distinctive dark ventral stripe during breeding condition. Like all pufferfish, they have large, expressive eyes and a powerful beak.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 75 – 82°F (24 – 28°C)
• pH: 5.5 – 7.0 (soft, slightly acidic water preferred — reflects their blackwater origin)
• General Hardness (GH): 1 – 10 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 15 gallons for 1–2; 30+ gallons for a group
• Substrate: Fine sand or gravel
• Plants & Decor: Heavily planted tanks with lots of hiding spots; driftwood and leaf litter to replicate blackwater conditions

Diet & Feeding

• Staple: Snails (bladder snails, ramshorn snails) — essential for beak wear
• Treats: Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and small invertebrates

Feed 1–2 times daily.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Best kept in species-only tanks or with very carefully chosen tank mates. They can be aggressive toward other fish and will eat shrimp and small invertebrates. Monitor carefully for aggression.

The Red Eye Puffer is a vivid and characterful dwarf pufferfish that brings striking red eyes and bold personality to any aquarium. A rewarding species for the intermediate pufferfish enthusiast.