Arrowhead Puffer (Thai Wild Form)

Wild-caught Pao suvattii from Thailand display a more vivid, better-defined pale-tan cryptic patterning and deeper body than captive-bred specimens, making them particularly sought by collectors. This species is the master ambush predator of freshwater puffer keeping: it buries itself in a deep sand substrate with only the eyes protruding, then strikes at passing prey with explosive speed. The aquarium must have at least 5 cm of fine sand to allow burying behaviour. Hard-shelled prey must be provided regularly as this species' beak grows rapidly. It is entirely intolerant of tankmates. Water movement should be gentle and consistent with the still, sandy-bottomed river-bed microhabitats where it is found.