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
Water Parameters
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
Amazon Puffer Care 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. To replicate their natural habitat, the tank should include sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), plants - densely covered, and shells (breeding/hiding).
This species should be kept in groups of at least 3 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour. Keepers should be aware that this species may nip the fins of slow-moving or long-finned tankmates, is not safe with ornamental shrimp, will eat snails, is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential, and is primarily active at night or during twilight hours. The Amazon Puffer is typically available in one standard form.
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.
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).
Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
A quintessential community fish known for its durability and massive variety of colors. Native to Central America, Platies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry. They are peaceful, active grazers that require hard, alkaline water to thrive. They are excellent for beginners but breed prolifically.