Amazon puffer (Colomesus aseuiss)

Active, schooling, and wonderfully unique — the Amazon Puffer (Colomesus asellus), also known as the South American Puffer or Asellus Puffer, is a remarkable freshwater pufferfish that breaks many of the rules of the pufferfish world. Unlike most freshwater puffers, the Amazon Puffer is a true schooling fish that thrives in groups and is far more peaceful than its relatives — making it one of the most community-friendly pufferfish available.

Overview

Appearance

The Amazon Puffer displays a pale yellow to cream body with bold dark brown to black bands running across the back and sides — a striking, banded pattern that is quite different from the spotted or plain colouration of most freshwater puffers. The ventral surface is pale white. Their large, expressive eyes and rounded body give them the characteristic pufferfish charm, while the bold banded pattern makes them one of the most attractively marked freshwater puffers available.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 72 – 82°F (22 – 28°C)
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• General Hardness (GH): 2 – 15 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 40 gallons for a group of 5+
• Substrate: Fine sand or gravel
• Plants & Decor: Planted tanks with open swimming space; Amazon-style setups suit them perfectly

Diet & Feeding

• Staple: Snails — essential for beak wear; frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp
• Treats: Mussels, shrimp, and other meaty foods
• Note: Hard foods like snails are critical to prevent beak overgrowth — provide snails regularly

Feed daily.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Unlike most freshwater puffers, Amazon Puffers can be kept in groups and may be housed with robust, fast-moving tank mates in larger aquariums. However, they may still nip fins — avoid long-finned or slow-moving fish. Best kept in a species group or with similarly sized, robust fish.

The Amazon Puffer is a unique and rewarding pufferfish that brings bold banded beauty and active schooling behaviour to any aquarium. One of the most community-friendly pufferfish available — a wonderful choice for the intermediate pufferfish enthusiast.