Pao Pradipta Puffer

Pao pradipta is a relatively recently described species within the genus Pao, collected from river systems in Borneo, Indonesia. It bears fine, well-defined dorsal spotting on a warm amber-brown background and a moderately elongate body shape consistent with other medium-sized Pao puffers. As one of the newer formally described species in the genus, published husbandry data remains limited, but care follows established Pao protocols: a spacious aquarium with sandy substrate, excellent water quality, regular hard-shelled prey for beak maintenance, and strictly solitary housing. Its Bornean origin suggests soft to slightly acidic water conditions will produce optimal long-term colouration and health. Specimens are occasionally available through Indonesian ornamental fish export channels.

Water: pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 24–28°C, soft to moderate; clean, well-oxygenated; 30% weekly water changes. Tank: 120 L minimum; sand substrate, driftwood, smooth rockwork; strong canister filtration. Feeding: Snails, mussels, clams, crayfish, earthworms; hard food 3–4 times weekly; beak inspection monthly. Breeding: Not documented; newly described species with limited captive history. Compatibility: Solitary; aggressive toward all tankmates; species-only tank mandatory.