The world's smallest pufferfish found to have unique reproductive properties

Scientists at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences in Kochi have studied the habits of the world's smallest pufferfish and its embryonic development in captivity. They found that the puffer has a unique reproductive behavior and character that contributes to its low fecundity.

The Malabar dwarf puffer Carinotetraodon Travancoricus is one of the smallest pufferfish, which is intensively exported due to the demand for ornamental species. Unlike other puffers, detailed studies of its embryogenesis, hatching, and larval rearing have not yet been documented, TechExplorist writes.

The study of the fish, which are collected and exported more than a million a year, is important for understanding their genetic fingerprints, scientists say.

"Developing captive breeding techniques is the key to maintaining the sustainability of an aquaculture production system. Despite the huge demand for C. Travancoricus in the aquarium pet trade, research approaches on captive breeding and early development have been limited," the study says.

To study the behavior of the Malabar dwarf puffer holistically, the researchers created an appropriate environment and purchased adult fish. The team of scientists fed them twice a day, maintaining the appropriate temperature and pH.

The researchers observed the embryonic development of the fish, which demonstrates a distinct sexual dimorphism at the mature stage. A mature male had a prominent mid-ventral keel, central round wrinkles around the eyes, and a curved body. A mature female had a bulged belly and distinct black spots on the body.

The intense courtship culminated in the release of eggs. Interestingly, during spawning, the researchers often observed males guarding the place where the females laid their eggs.

Surprisingly, the dwarf fish lays only one to five eggs per day, which affects their low fecundity, scientists say. The eggs are not sticky and spherical, and it takes four to five days for them to hatch.

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