South American Puffer (Colomesus Asellus)
Family: Tetraodontidae
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Class: Actinopterygii
Origin: South America: Primarily; Amazon river, Araguaia and Guaporé Rivers, Orinoco River and Essequibo River
Common Names: South American Puffer, Amazon Puffer Brazilian Puffer, Columbian Puffer.
Maximum Size: 2.5 3 inches (6-8 cm) tip to tail * (Fishbase reports 12.8 cm or 5 inches)
Temperament: Shy towards other fish larger than it, but is known as a fin nipper.
Environment: Freshwater to very slightly brackish.
pH: N/A ** consistant PH levels are more important than a specific range
Temperature: average 75F 83F (24 28C)
Description: SAPs (South American Puffers) are one of the least puffer like of the species. They are highly energetic, some say neurotic.
Feeding: Of all the puffers kept in the home aquarium, SAPs teeth grow the quickest. A diet of 90% snails and 5% other foods (live shrimp & blood worms) is recommended. If a main diet of snails is not feasible, vitamin soaked blood worms will work as a supplement (max 30%). In order to keep the teeth in check a diet of 70%+ of ramshorn snails and or pond snails will work best. Avoid cone shapes snails as they may break their teeth on the harder shells. Larger snails should be crushed between 2 spoons to avoid shell splinters entering the skin of the handler. The high ratio of snail is to reduce the number of annual teeth trimmings necessary.
In the home aquarium: A South American Puffer should have at least 20 gallons of swimming room. A longer length is better than a longer depth. It is this writers opinion; that a unidirectional flow / current be provided in order to best simulate river qualities. A heavily planted tank will aid in overcoming their shyness. Open water and bright sudden lights may invoke their neurotic behaviour.
*It is the opinion of this writer (although not tested), that South American Puffers may prefer black water conditions and or dimmer lights. *
Diseases: As a scaleless fish it is important to remember that South American Puffers are susceptible to typical infections and diseases, but the medication procedures vary.
Difficulty:
Care: 8:10 (difficult)
Feeding: 6:10 (moderately difficult)
Water Quality: 5:10 (average)
Tank Mates: 7:10 (moderately difficult)
References:
www.**************.com
www.fishbase.com
Drift of Colomesus asellus larvae in the Amazon River Carlos Araujo-Lima, Daniela Savastao, Luciana Cardeliquio Jordano (1994)
J-P 2010
Please comment appropriately so that I may modify the content
Family: Tetraodontidae
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Class: Actinopterygii
Origin: South America: Primarily; Amazon river, Araguaia and Guaporé Rivers, Orinoco River and Essequibo River
Common Names: South American Puffer, Amazon Puffer Brazilian Puffer, Columbian Puffer.
Maximum Size: 2.5 3 inches (6-8 cm) tip to tail * (Fishbase reports 12.8 cm or 5 inches)
Temperament: Shy towards other fish larger than it, but is known as a fin nipper.
Environment: Freshwater to very slightly brackish.
pH: N/A ** consistant PH levels are more important than a specific range
Temperature: average 75F 83F (24 28C)
Description: SAPs (South American Puffers) are one of the least puffer like of the species. They are highly energetic, some say neurotic.
Feeding: Of all the puffers kept in the home aquarium, SAPs teeth grow the quickest. A diet of 90% snails and 5% other foods (live shrimp & blood worms) is recommended. If a main diet of snails is not feasible, vitamin soaked blood worms will work as a supplement (max 30%). In order to keep the teeth in check a diet of 70%+ of ramshorn snails and or pond snails will work best. Avoid cone shapes snails as they may break their teeth on the harder shells. Larger snails should be crushed between 2 spoons to avoid shell splinters entering the skin of the handler. The high ratio of snail is to reduce the number of annual teeth trimmings necessary.
In the home aquarium: A South American Puffer should have at least 20 gallons of swimming room. A longer length is better than a longer depth. It is this writers opinion; that a unidirectional flow / current be provided in order to best simulate river qualities. A heavily planted tank will aid in overcoming their shyness. Open water and bright sudden lights may invoke their neurotic behaviour.
*It is the opinion of this writer (although not tested), that South American Puffers may prefer black water conditions and or dimmer lights. *
Diseases: As a scaleless fish it is important to remember that South American Puffers are susceptible to typical infections and diseases, but the medication procedures vary.
Difficulty:
Care: 8:10 (difficult)
Feeding: 6:10 (moderately difficult)
Water Quality: 5:10 (average)
Tank Mates: 7:10 (moderately difficult)
References:
www.**************.com
www.fishbase.com
Drift of Colomesus asellus larvae in the Amazon River Carlos Araujo-Lima, Daniela Savastao, Luciana Cardeliquio Jordano (1994)
J-P 2010
Please comment appropriately so that I may modify the content
