Colomesus asellus ( Amazon puffer, South American puffer ) Müller & Troschel, 1848
*aka:  Chelichthys asellus (invalid), Brazilian puffer, Venezuelan puffer, Peruvian puffer.
 
C. asellus, the South American puffer. Note the spot on the underside of its caudal penducle.

 
Origin  Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana
pH Range  5.5 - 7.2
Temp.   71 - 82F (22 - 28C)
Hardness  5.5 -15dH
Salinity  fresh to light brackish
Length  to 5.5 inches (14 cm) 
Diet  live, frozen

C. asellus is typically a freshwater puffer, but can tolerate light brackish conditions.  As its name indicates, it occurs in South America.  Its natural habitats are the freshwater streams and rivers, although it lives in coastal river systems as well.  It is generally of peaceful temperament, which makes it a good choice for a community tank.  C. asellus exhibits a trademark black spot between its anal and caudal fin.  Due to the black bands on its dorsal region, it is often mistaken with Colomesus psittacus.
 
 

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