Colomesus asellus (Müller & Troschel, 1849)
Amazon puffer
Colomesus asellus
photo by Holm, E.

Family:  Tetraodontidae (Puffers), subfamily: Tetraodontinae
Max. size:  12.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 5.5 - 7.19999980926514; dH range: 5 - 15
Distribution:  South America: Amazon River basin from Peru to Marajó Island, including tributaries Araguaia and Guaporé Rivers; Orinoco River basin near the mouth; Essequibo River basin.
Diagnosis:  Distinct large black spot on underside of caudal peduncle.
Biology:  Found mostly in freshwater and coastal streams, but can tolerate brackish water. Sometimes kept in aquariums (Ref. 26938).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 November 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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