Amazon puffer (Colomesus asellus)

Scientific name: Colomesus asellus M?ller & Troschel, 1849

Amazon puffer (Colomesus asellus)

The Amazon puffer (Colomesus asellus) is a freshwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows to about 14 cm (5.5 in). It is semi-aggressive, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 55 L (15 US gal) and water at 22–28°C (72–82°F). Native range: South America, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, the Amazon Basin.

Amazon puffer care at a glance

Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Community tank
Excellent
Adult size
14 cm (5.5 in)
Minimum tank
55 L (15 US gal)
Temperature
22–28°C (72–82°F)

Biology

Distinct large black spot on underside of caudal peduncle.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Colomesus asellus
Family
Tetraodontidae (Puffers)
Order
Tetraodontiformes (Puffers and Filefishes)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
12.8
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 5.5 - 7.2; dH range: 5 - 15 demersal
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Amazon River basin from Peru to Maraj? Island, including tributaries Araguaia and Guapor? Rivers; Orinoco River basin near the mouth; Essequibo River basin.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More puffers, gobies & brackish fish

See all puffers, gobies & brackish fish

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

Last updated