Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Freshwater [FW] Amazon Puffer has an incredibly large distribution throughout oxygen-rich waters of the Amazon Basin in South America. Considered one of the “holy grail” species of FW pufferfish, the Amazon puffer has a white belly and a gold-green back with a number of black patches. The body shape of the Amazon puffer has evolved to be perfectly adapted to navigating the fast-moving waters in which it originates from, so expect to observe this energetic behavior in the home aquarium. An unusual quirk about the Amazon puffer compared to pufferfish in general is that they’re quite tolerable of each other, forming loose shoals in the wild. An Amazon puffer would do best in a group of 6 or more individuals in the home aquarium as well; a lone puffer without this kind of social structure is typically a nervous one. Growing to an adult size of approximately 3″, the Amazon puffer is a manageable freshwater puffer species in terms of its size. However, the Amazon puffer does have demanding dietary requirements, limited compatability with other fish species, and some specific aquarium requirements given their activity level. Amazon puffers will help control nuisance snails, such as Malaysian Trumpets (Melanoides tuberculata), that come in on live aquatic plants. Note: Amazon puffers are known to have a risk of coming down with Ich. All of the Amazon puffers for sale here at Aquatics Unlimited have gone through an observational period prior to sale to ensure you’re receiving healthy individuals.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Amazon puffers are carnivores. A diet made up of various high quality frozen foods is necessary, including bloodworms, brine shrimp and pieces of mussel or clam. Puffers should also be regularly given snails, or other hard-shelled items, to ensure their teeth do not become overgrown which can cause health complications. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your puffer. This species may ignore freeze-dried foods.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 30 to 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Amazon puffers. This species should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium, as Amazon puffers are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia. Weekly water changes are necessary to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm), as the Amazon puffer cannot withstand deteriorating water conditions. Given the environments in which they come from, Amazon puffers like more generous water flow that is typically achieved by the use of additional internal powerheads. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a darker substrate and dense live vegetation. This type of aquascape not only provides stimulation for these inquisitive fish, but also creates a number of visual barriers between individual Amazon puffers if needed. While the Amazon puffer is not overly aggressive compared to some other freshwater puffer species, mixing them into a traditional community tank can be challenging. Pufferfish are known to be extremely variable in personality on an individual level. Generally speaking, puffers are best kept with quick-moving species such as certain tetra, danios or barbs. Avoid slow-moving fish or fish with decorative fins that will surely get nipped. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 1-6, pH 5.5-8.0.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2” to 2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
