Can Amazon Puffer and Australian Smelt Live Together?
Keeping Amazon Puffer and Australian Smelt together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 80 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Amazon Puffer and Australian Smelt?
Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Amazon Puffer is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Australian Smelt is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Amazon Puffer may occasionally assert dominance over Australian Smelt.
Amazon Puffer and Australian Smelt both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.
Worth noting: Amazon Puffer is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Amazon Puffer is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat. Keep fin nippers in larger groups to distribute nipping behaviour among conspecifics rather than tank mates.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.0°C) for optimal comfort.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
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Tank Setup
To house Amazon Puffer and Australian Smelt together, plan for an aquarium of at least 80 litres with a minimum length of 75 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.
Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Plants - lighly covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Amazon Puffer and Australian Smelt.
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Amazon Puffer and Australian Smelt live together?
They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 80 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
What size tank do Amazon Puffer and Australian Smelt need?
A minimum of 80 litres (tank length at least 75 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.
What water temperature is best for Amazon Puffer and Australian Smelt together?
Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 24°C. A target of around 23.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Amazon Puffer or Australian Smelt aggressive?
Amazon Puffer is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Australian Smelt is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Amazon Puffer and Australian Smelt need?
Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
Will Amazon Puffer nip Australian Smelt's fins?
Amazon Puffer is a known fin nipper. If Australian Smelt has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Amazon Puffer in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
Does Amazon Puffer being nocturnal affect compatibility?
Amazon Puffer is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Amazon Puffer during evening hours.
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