SCIENTIFIC NAME: COLOMESUS ASELLUS The Amazon Puffer or Asellus Puffer is affectionately also known as the ‘Friendly Puffer.’ They're somewhat unique among puffers -- most puffers are jerks, while these guys typically aren’t – making them excellent community fish. The Asellus Puffer is found in tributaries of the Amazon River, and unlike other stereotypical puffers, is therefore a true freshwater puffer; they don't do well in brackish conditions at all, and shouldn’t be mixed with fish like Figure 8’s, Green Spotted Puffers, and Scats in a brackish system. Their food in the Amazon is plentiful, and the ability to create a territory is nonexistent. Therefore, they form aggregate schools. Not only are they shoaling, but they don't go after other fish -- they're content to wander the tank in a little group and pick off all of your snails, shrimp, and other crustaceans. Obtaining an average of 3 inches in length in the home aquarium, Asellus Puffers make a nice, unique addition to any community tank!
