South American Puffer (Colomesus asellus)

Fish in the family Tetraodontidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

South American Puffer

Quick facts

Scientific nameColomesus asellus
FamilyTetraodontidae
Also known asAmazon Puffer, SAP, Peruvian Puffer
Care levelModerate
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentSemi Aggressive
Dietcarnivore
Adult size3 in
Minimum tank size40 gallons
Water parametersTemp 72-82°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH

Appearance

Small true-freshwater puffer with green-banded back and white belly; active open-water swimmer.

Difficulty and care for the South American Puffer

Moderate

Origin and habitat

South America (Amazon basin)

Keeper notes

One of the few truly social puffers but an active fin-nipper; keep in a group in a roomy tank and watch tankmates. Eats shrimp and snails.

Log South American Puffer in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track South American Puffer alongside everything else in your reef.