Banded Puffer

About

The banded puffer (Colomesus psittacus) is one of the more unusual members of the puffer family, hailing from the western Atlantic coastline and river systems stretching from the Gulf of Paria down through Brazilian waters near the Amazon. Unlike many of its relatives, this species leans toward peaceful behavior, which makes it a refreshing choice for hobbyists who have been burned by the notorious aggression of other puffers. It is typically found in shallow inshore waters over soft substrates, and it crosses between salt and fresh water with notable ease. Something worth keeping in mind when planning a setup. Like all puffers, it can inflate itself into a ball when it feels cornered, so tankmates that might harass it are best avoided for the fish's own sake. The banded puffer is a committed carnivore with a powerful beak built for cracking open mollusks, so a varied diet of hard-shelled invertebrates is important both for nutrition and for keeping that beak worn down to a healthy length. Adults reach a substantial size, so a roomy tank is non-negotiable. This is a species best suited to someone with a bit of marine fishkeeping experience under their belt.