Pao Pao Puffer

Pao pao is a recently formalised species name within the genus Pao, originating from the Mekong River drainage. It bears a dense pattern of well-defined circular spots across the dorsal surface on a warm tan background, and a notably rounded profile at adult size. As with all Pao species it is a dedicated carnivore dependent on hard-shelled prey to maintain its fused beak in good condition. The aquarium should be a spacious river-biotope setup with a sandy substrate, driftwood, and good filtration. Its relatively recent description means published care data is sparse, but husbandry follows the established protocol for medium Pao puffers. Specimens are occasionally exported from Thailand and Laos through specialist channels.

Water: pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 24–28°C, soft to moderate; well-oxygenated; 30% weekly water changes. Tank: 120 L minimum; sandy base, driftwood, minimal décor; high-capacity canister filtration. Feeding: Snails, mussels, clams, earthworms, frozen shrimp; hard prey multiple times weekly. Breeding: Not documented; newly described species with limited captive keeping history. Compatibility: Solitary; aggressive toward conspecifics and tankmates; species-only tank required.