One of the few truly freshwater, community-safe pufferfish. Native to the Amazon basin, these energetic swimmers are known for their bumblebee-like stripes and erratic swimming patterns. Unlike most puffers, they are social and prefer to be kept in groups. CRITICAL WARNING: This species has the fastest-growing teeth of any puffer. They REQUIRE a daily diet of hard-shelled foods (snails, clams, crustaceans) or they will require manual dentistry (trimming) to prevent starvation.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard wild form. Best kept in groups of 3+ to reduce stress and glass-surfing. Requires high flow and oxygenation compared to other puffers.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesAmazon Puffer Care Guide Summary
The Amazon Puffer, scientifically known as Colomesus asellus, belongs to the Puffers family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level, bottom, and surface zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Amazon Puffer requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 80 litres and a tank length of at least 75 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
Due to its specialist needs, the Amazon Puffer is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Amazon Puffer is typically available in one standard form.
Amazon Puffer Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Amazon Puffer, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level, bottom, and surface zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline, open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement, and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, shells for breeding and shelter, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper. Browse aquarium sand substrate options to find the best fit.
Amazon Puffer Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Amazon Puffer is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, avoid housing with slow-moving or long-finned species that may become targets for fin nipping, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, snails will be treated as food rather than tankmates, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level, bottom, and surface zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Amazon Puffer.
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
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Amazon Puffer Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Amazon Puffer will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, actively feeds on snails and can be used as a natural snail population control, and is primarily active at dusk and dawn, so offering food shortly after lights-off ensures it receives adequate nutrition. Find quality Amazon Puffer fish food for this species.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon Puffer
How big does Amazon Puffer get?
Amazon Puffer (Colomesus asellus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Amazon Puffer need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 80 litres and a tank length of at least 75 cm are recommended for Amazon Puffer. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Amazon Puffer need?
Amazon Puffer thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 4–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Amazon Puffer peaceful or aggressive?
Amazon Puffer is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Amazon Puffer live alone?
No, Amazon Puffer should be kept in groups of at least 3 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Is Amazon Puffer safe with shrimp?
No. Amazon Puffer is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Will Amazon Puffer eat snails?
Yes. Amazon Puffer actively feeds on snails. While this can be useful for controlling pest snail populations, it means decorative snails should not be housed with this species.
Does Amazon Puffer have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Amazon Puffer benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), plants - densely covered, and shells (breeding/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Amazon Puffer need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Amazon Puffer is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Similar Species
Mbu Puffer
Tetraodon mbu
The largest freshwater pufferfish in the world, originating from the Congo River. Known for their 'puppy-like' intelligence and personality, they recognize owners and interact with them. However, they grow to massive sizes and possess a beak capable of crushing hard-shelled invertebrates. Unlike many puffers, they are true freshwater fish and do not need salt. They require massive filtration and a diet of hard foods (clams, snails) to keep their teeth trimmed.
Fahaka Puffer
Tetraodon lineatus
A massive, highly intelligent, and extremely aggressive freshwater pufferfish native to the Nile, Senegal, and Niger rivers. Often referred to as 'water dogs' due to their owner recognition and begging behavior. They are strictly solitary pets that will relentlessly attack and kill any tank mates. They require a diet of hard-shelled invertebrates to keep their ever-growing teeth trimmed.
Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)
Dichotomyctere nigroviridis
The Green Spotted Puffer is a highly intelligent but notoriously aggressive fish. While frequently (and incorrectly) sold as a freshwater species, they strictly require brackish water that increases in salinity as they mature, eventually needing high-brackish or full marine conditions as adults. They have beak-like teeth that grow continuously and must be worn down by a diet of hard-shelled foods. Best kept entirely alone.
Dwarf Pea Puffer
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
The Dwarf Pea Puffer is a tiny, fully freshwater pufferfish native to India. Despite their cute appearance, they are fierce micropredators and notorious fin-nippers. Modern husbandry standards strongly dictate they are highly social and must be kept in species-only shoals of 6 or more in heavily planted aquariums to disperse aggression and reduce stress. They require a steady diet of small snails and live/frozen foods.
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
Dichotomyctere ocellatus
A small, highly intelligent, and interactive pufferfish known for the distinctive figure-eight pattern on its back. While often sold as freshwater fish, they strictly require a low-end brackish environment (Specific Gravity 1.005-1.008) for long-term health and a full lifespan. They are aggressive fin-nippers and strict carnivores that require hard-shelled foods (like snails) to keep their continuously growing teeth trimmed.
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Brachygobius xanthozonus
A miniature, bottom-dwelling goby famous for its striking black and yellow stripes. While they are often sold as freshwater fish and can survive in it temporarily, they are highly susceptible to fungal infections in fresh water and truly require a brackish setup (SG 1.002-1.005) to thrive long-term. They are notoriously picky eaters, often ignoring flakes in favor of live or frozen foods (like bloodworms or brine shrimp).