Origin
Native to the upper Amazon Basin in Peru, Brazil, and Colombia—especially in calm backwaters, flooded forests, and slow-flowing tributaries.

Visual & Functional Appeal
Round-bodied and compact, with yellowish flanks, dark mottled stripes, and curious eyes. Its expressive behavior and constant movement create personality-driven appeal in freshwater tanks.

Purpose
Often kept as a centerpiece fish. Naturally preys on invertebrates, helping control pest snails if housed alone. Adds intelligence and motion to community aquariums when compatibility is managed.

Importance
One of the only freshwater puffers that thrives in groups. Encourages aquarists to engage in active care (dental checks, live foods), which deepens the hobby experience.

Included Resources
Requires soft sand substrate, lots of open swimming space, some cover (wood, plants), and strong filtration with moderate flow. Enrichment through live food or foraging is key.

Best Use Cases
Great in Amazonian biotopes, oddball community setups (carefully selected), or species-only tanks with 3–6 individuals. Avoid tanks with slow-moving or nippy fish.

Conservation Context
Collected from the wild in moderate numbers. Habitat loss from deforestation and pollution is a growing concern in native range.

Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Other South American puffers
• Fast-moving tetras (rummy nose, hatchets)
• Peaceful catfish (cories, whiptails)
• Avoid fin-nippers, shrimp, or snails

Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.7491° S
• Longitude: -73.2538° W
(Iquitos, Peru – Amazon headwaters)

Region (B)
• Latitude: -1.4637° S
• Longitude: -48.4895° W
(Belém, Brazil – Amazon River estuary)