Arrowhead Puffer

Pao suvattii, the Arrowhead or Pig-nose Puffer, is one of the most morphologically distinctive puffers in the hobby. Its highly flattened, elongated snout and cryptic colouration allow it to bury in sand with only its upward-facing eyes exposed. It is a dedicated ambush predator that lunges at passing fish; tankmates of any kind are at serious risk.

Water: 24–28°C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; clean, well-oxygenated conditions essential. Tank: Minimum 150 L with a deep (5+ cm) fine sand substrate for burying behaviour. Feeding: Live or dead fish pieces, large earthworms, mussels, and prawns; feed with tongs to avoid bites. Behaviour: Ambush predator; will strike at any moving object — strict species-only and extreme caution during maintenance. Compatibility: Species-only, solo housing; absolutely no tankmates.