Hairy Puffer (Cambodia Form)

The Cambodian form of Pao barbatus is collected from slower, sandier sections of the Mekong River in Cambodia, where it rests on or partially buries in sandy substrate waiting to ambush passing invertebrates and small fish. The distinctive coarse hair-like dermal filaments covering the dorsum provide remarkable camouflage among algae-covered substrate and root tangles, giving rise to the common name. This form may show slightly more brownish-green colouration compared to Vietnamese specimens, reflecting the clearer, less-tannin-stained Cambodian Mekong water. A sand-dominant substrate is essential to allow partial burial resting behaviour. Water quality must be exceptional and temperature stable. Feeding is often stimulated only by live or freshly thawed moving prey.

Water: pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 24–28°C, soft to moderate; high oxygenation; 25–30% weekly water changes. Tank: 100 L minimum; 5+ cm fine sand; minimal décor; gentle to moderate filtration flow. Feeding: Live earthworms, ghost shrimp, frozen prawns; movement triggers feeding; hard shells 2x weekly. Breeding: Not documented in captivity; presumed Mekong seasonal spawner. Compatibility: Solitary; will ambush and consume tankmates; no viable co-habitation options.