Pet Wiki

Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Amazon Puffer

Colomesus asellus

Also called South American freshwater puffer, Asellus puffer, Peruvian puffer, Brazilian puffer

SpeciesShort profile

From Tropical South America: the Amazon basin from Peru to Marajo Island, plus parts of the Orinoco and Essequibo basins.12

At a glance the quick version

Length12.8 cm123
Sizesmall
One of the more sociable puffers, happy in a group
Lively, always-on-the-move swimmer
Bold striped pattern
23

Looks how to spot one

Scaleless pufferfish

A short, deep-bodied puffer with a green back, white belly and bold black saddles across the top. A black ring circles the base of the tail and a row of small flaps lines the chin.213

Coloursgreen backwhite bellyblack transverse bandsblack ring at tail base2

Personality what they are like

Unusually tolerant of its own kind for a puffer and can feel uneasy alone. It may nip slow-moving fish, so it suits a puffer-only tank or one with fast river fish.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A migratory, active river fish that appreciates swimming room, good water movement and plenty of oxygen.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Water about 22-28 C (Seriously Fish suggests 20-26 C), pH about 5.5-7.2 and hardness 5-15 dH. Keep water clean and well oxygenated. Offer crunchy, shelled foods so its continuously growing teeth stay short.132

Home where they are happiest

At least a 120 x 30 x 30 cm tank (about 108-109 litres) with open swimming space.32

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Snails, crab legs, cockles and other shelled foods, plus earthworms, bloodworms, mysids and brine shrimp. Wild fish also graze on algae films.32

Company who they like around

Forms loose groups in nature; a group of six or more is ideal in a large enough tank.32

The story where it all began

Muller and Troschel described the species in 1849. It is caught for food locally and is also traded for aquariums.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Unlike most puffers it is migratory and not territorial.2

  2. 2

    It can inflate itself when it feels threatened.2

  3. 3

    A row of small chin flaps helps tell it apart from close relatives.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List (via FishBase)
Least Concern (assessed 2020).1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Amazon Puffer. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Amazon Puffer?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice a day. Offer crunchy, shelled foods daily to keep its teeth trimmed. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.32 Pet Wiki plan

What does an Amazon Puffer eat, and what should it never eat?

It loves snails, crab legs, cockles, earthworms, bloodworms, mysids and brine shrimp. Wild fish also graze on algae. Never feed soft foods only, as its teeth need hard shells to stay short.32

How much space does an Amazon Puffer need?

A tank at least 120 x 30 x 30 cm (about 108-109 litres) with open swimming room is needed. It's an active, migratory river fish that appreciates space and good water movement.32

What temperature, light or water does an Amazon Puffer need?

Keep water at 22-28 C (Seriously Fish suggests 20-26 C), pH 5.5-7.2 and hardness 5-15 dH. Clean, well-oxygenated water is essential. For lighting, provide a natural day-night cycle.132

How often should I clean an Amazon Puffer's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Pet Wiki plan

Can an Amazon Puffer live with others?

Yes, it's unusually tolerant of its own kind and can feel uneasy alone. A group of six or more is ideal in a large tank. It may nip slow-moving fish, so a puffer-only tank or one with fast river fish works best.23

How long does an Amazon Puffer live?

Lifespan varies with care; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for specific expectations. With proper diet and clean water, they can live several years.

Can I handle an Amazon Puffer?

It's best not to handle this scaleless pufferfish, as it can be stressed and its skin is delicate. Enjoy watching its active swimming and unique personality instead.213

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FishBase: Colomesus asellus fishbase.seused for size, origin, water parameters, IUCN, history
  2. Wikipedia: Colomesus asellus en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, appearance, behaviour, diet, tank size, fun facts
  3. Seriously Fish: Colomesus asellus seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, diet, group keeping

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.