Amazon Puffer

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Extensive throughout the Amazon River basin (Brazil, Colombia, Peru). Frequents the banks of large rivers rich in roots and flooded meadows. Never migrates to brackish water.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Amazon Puffer (Colomesus asellus). The only pure freshwater puffer fish from South America regularly imported. Reaches 8 cm (3.1 inches). Stocky "puppy" face and plaque teeth that grow at an impressive rate.

Social Behavior: Unlike most puffer fish (often solitary assassins), the Amazon Puffer is extremely sociable. Tends to move in small nervous schools, incessantly swimming up and down the glass looking for food.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Immaculate white belly, bright yellowish-green back crossed by 5-6 unmistakable black bands that cross it like a "saddle". Sexual dimorphism invisible to the naked eye.

Aquarium Setup: At least 100 cm (40 inches) in length: they swim hyperactively. It is crucial to break the visual lines with large roots, otherwise they will develop stereotypies (up and down against the glass forever). No need for marine salt.

Diet and Feeding: THE GREAT CHALLENGE: the teeth grow so fast that if not filed they will close the mouth starving it to death. Demands huge daily quantities of live snails (Physa, Ramshorn), clams with shell or frozen bloodworms mixed with crushed shells.

Water Quality: Completely freshwater, intolerant of salt. Extremely sensitive to ammonia and nitrates, the water must be over-filtered (the remains of snail shells pollute a lot).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Paradoxically peaceful, but it is still a "fin-nipper". Often mutilates slow fish or those with veil fins (Corydoras, Angelfish). Should be kept in groups of 6+ with fast Loricariids or darting Characins.

Aquarium Reproduction: Never documented. It is only known that in nature they gather in thousands laying small pelagic eggs that scatter in the current of the great Amazonian rivers.

Risks and Diseases: 90% of improperly cared for specimens require manual dental intervention: the aquarist must sedate the fish (with clove oil) and cut its teeth with cuticle nippers. Deadly if it swallows air.