Amazon puffer

Colomesus asellus

Wild range: Amazon Basin (South America)

At a glance: Amazon puffer care

Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.

What temperature is listed for Amazon puffer?

The compiled profile lists 22.0–28.0 °C for Amazon puffer (Colomesus asellus). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.

What tank size is listed for Amazon puffer?

The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 30.0 US gallons (113.6 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.

What pH is listed for Amazon puffer?

The compiled profile lists a pH of 6.0–8.0. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.

Natural habitat

The Amazon puffer is found throughout the Amazon basin and thrives in various habitats, from calm floodplain lakes to fast-flowing rivers. This adaptability makes it a hardy species suitable for community aquariums.

Where they are found

The species is native to the Rio Napo in Peru, where they inhabit slow-moving waters that support a diverse range of life, from mollusks to small crustaceans, which are crucial to their diet.

Aquarium care

To maintain healthy Amazon puffers, keep them in larger tanks (at least 30 gallons) with gentle flow and ample hiding spots. Decorate with plants and structures to encourage exploration and to reduce territorial disputes among individuals.

Feeding

Amazon Puffers are predominantly carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet that includes hard-shelled prey like snails, shrimp, and small crayfish to prevent their beaks from overgrowing. They also accept frozen and freeze-dried foods, making it relatively easy to provide a balanced diet.

Compatibility

While the Amazon Puffer can be kept with other fish, it’s essential to select tankmates carefully. They tend to do well with fish of similar size and temperament, especially those that are fast swimmers. However, compatibility can vary, and close monitoring is advisable to ensure peaceful interactions.

Breeding

Currently, breeding of Amazon puffers in captivity remains unachieved; all specimens are typically sourced from the wild, emphasizing the importance of careful introduction into aquariums.

Sources

Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.