AMAZON FRESHWATER PUFFERS

🐡 Amazon Freshwater Puffers – Smart, Social, and Truly One-of-a-Kind

Bring bold personality and nonstop entertainment to your aquarium with the Amazon Freshwater Puffer (Colomesus asellus), one of the few true freshwater pufferfish species in the world. Native to the Amazon River Basin, this compact species is highly intelligent, full of character, and always on the move—making it a favorite for aquarists who want something truly interactive.

With their expressive eyes, striking striped patterns, and curious behavior, Amazon Puffers are a joy to watch. They do well in groups of 3 or more, are known to recognize their owners, and require a specialized diet that keeps their teeth healthy and growth in check.

🐟 Species Profile:

• Scientific Name: Colomesus asellus

• Common Names: Amazon Puffer, South American Freshwater Puffer

• Adult Size: 3"–4"

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive (fin nippers if underfed or bored)

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (add 10+ gallons per additional puffer)

• Water Parameters: 74–80°F | pH 6.5–7.5 | Clean, well-oxygenated water

• Diet: Carnivore – hard-shelled foods like snails, krill, mussels, bloodworms (essential to wear down teeth)

🛠️ Tank Setup & Compatibility:

Amazon Freshwater Puffers thrive in:

• Heavily filtered tanks with moderate flow

• Soft substrate and driftwood with lots of hiding spaces

• Aquascapes with enrichment to prevent boredom

Compatible with:

• Best in species-only groups of 3+ (reduces aggression)

• Fast-moving fish like barbs or robust tetras (with caution)

• Avoid slow or long-finned tankmates like bettas or angelfish

Behavior:

• 🧠 Extremely intelligent and curious

• 🐚 Require hard foods to prevent overgrown teeth

• 🐡 May puff up when frightened, though rare in aquariums

🛒 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Each Amazon Puffer is:

• ✅ Carefully quarantined and conditioned before shipping

• ✅ Eating well on frozen, live, and crunchy foods

• ✅ Shipped live with our Live Arrival Guarantee

• ✅ A standout addition to your oddball fish collection or puffer-only setup

📦 Add a brilliant mix of brain, beauty, and bold behavior to your tank with the Amazon Freshwater Puffer—an unforgettable species only offered at RobsAquatics.com.