Amazon Puffer (Colomesus asellus) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 40 gallons and 75-82°F. A black-and-white banded freshwater puffer that is one of the calmer puffers, but it is still a fin-nipper and a snail eater. Offer hard-shelled foods so its beak stays worn down, and keep it with fast, sturdy tankmates only.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Colomesus asellus |
|---|---|
| Family | Tetraodontidae |
| Origin | Amazon and Orinoco basins, South America |
| Adult size | 3-3.5 in |
| Minimum tank | 40 gallons |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperament | Semi-peaceful but can nip fins |
| Social behavior | Small group in a roomy tank, or a single fish |
| Swim level | Mid to bottom |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Carnivore: snails, frozen foods such as bloodworms and shrimp, small live foods |
| Typical lifespan | 5-10 years |
Quick tips
- Feed snails or hard-shelled foods to keep the beak trimmed.
- Keep away from long-finned or slow fish.
- Needs very clean water; puffers are sensitive to nitrate.
San Diego water
Captive-bred stock usually adapts to San Diego tap water with slow acclimation. For best color and health, many keepers blend tap with RO/DI water. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi