Banded Puffer

Colomesus psittacus

— No votes yet Rate it

Other names: Parrot puffer, Colomesus psittacus

Group: Oddballs and specialty fish · Family: Tetraodontidae · Origin: South America — estuaries and river mouths along the Atlantic coast from Venezuela to Brazil

The large, salt-loving relative of the Amazon puffer; it carries thick black bands on its yellow-green back and reaches 25–30 cm. It needs brackish water, a large tank and shelled food.

Will it suit my tank?

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 7.5–8.5
Adult size: 25 cm
Minimum tank size: 400 liters
Social structure: Solitary
Swimming zone: Middle
Diet: Carnivore
Breeding: Egg scatterer

Water parameters

Temperature24–28°C

pH7.5–8.5

Recommended range

Fin nipper Eats small fish Eats shrimp Eats snails

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

The banded puffer is a South American puffer that looks very much like the Amazon puffer (Colomesus asellus) but grows much larger and likes salty water. Thick black bands cross its yellowish-green back. It lives in estuaries and coastal waters and can reach 25–30 cm in the aquarium. In stores, small juveniles can be confused with the Amazon puffer; ask about the species when buying.

Tank Setup

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

At least 400 liters for an adult; a long, wide tank.
Brackish water made with marine aquarium salt; start juveniles at low salinity and gradually raise it to a specific gravity of 1.010 or more for adults.
A powerful filter and 30–40% water changes every week.
Sturdy rock decor and plenty of swimming space.

Diet

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Carnivorous. Hard foods such as snails, mussels, shell-on shrimp and crabs should be the staple; the teeth only wear down with these. Vary the diet with frozen krill and mysis.

Behavior and Compatibility

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Active and curious; as it grows it becomes aggressive, nips fins and hunts small creatures.

Good companions: the safest option is to keep it alone.

Avoid: small fish, shrimp, snails, freshwater species, other puffers.

A short profile for this species

The Banded Puffer page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.

Natural Habitat Group and Colony Structure Breeding Health and Common Problems Sexing

Tank mates

This list is calculated automatically from the species profile and grows as new species are added to the catalog. Try it in the planner for a definite answer.