Steindachner's Puffer

Pao steindachneri is distributed across the Mekong and Chao Phraya river drainages of Southeast Asia and is infrequently available in the specialist trade. Its reticulated dark-on-pale body pattern is attractive and more finely detailed than many Pao species. Like all genus members, it requires a hard-shelled prey diet and individual species-only housing.

Water: 24–28°C, pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard; clean, stable water with regular maintenance. Tank: Minimum 110 L; sandy substrate, driftwood, and plant clusters for territorial separation. Feeding: Snails, mussels, clams, cockles, and large frozen invertebrates. Behaviour: Territorial and aggressive; must be kept individually — will attack conspecifics on sight. Compatibility: Species-only; dedicated solo aquarium required.