Salivator Puffer

Pao cf. salivator belongs to the salivator species complex within the genus Pao and is an unusual medium-sized freshwater puffer from Thai river systems. Its common name derives from the rapid, continuous mouthing behaviour observed in specimens at rest, thought to relate to respiratory gill ventilation patterns. It inhabits moderate to fast-flowing river sections with sandy substrates and requires well-oxygenated water in captivity. Like all Pao species it is a dedicated carnivore needing hard-shelled prey for beak management. It is rarely imported and most specimens encountered in trade are wild-caught from Thailand or Laos. As with other Pao puffers it is intolerant of conspecifics and should be maintained as a single specimen in a dedicated river-biotope aquarium.

Water: pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 24–28°C, soft to moderate; well-oxygenated; moderate to strong flow recommended. Tank: 150 L minimum; sand substrate, smooth rocks; high-flow filtration or powerhead for current. Feeding: Snails, mussels, crayfish, clams, earthworms; hard food 3–4 times weekly; monitor beak closely. Breeding: No captive breeding records; presumed seasonal river spawner. Compatibility: Solitary; aggressive toward conspecifics and other species; single-specimen tank only.