Hairy Puffer

Pao baileyi

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Other names: Baileyi, Tetraodon baileyi

Group: Oddballs and specialty fish · Family: Tetraodontidae · Origin: Southeast Asia — fast-flowing, rocky stretches of the Mekong River (Laos, Thailand, Cambodia)

An ambush predator whose skin is covered with fine, hair-like projections and which waits like a stone among the rocks. It reaches 10–15 cm, matches its color to its surroundings and is kept alone.

Will it suit my tank?

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult size: 12 cm
Minimum tank size: 80 liters
Social structure: Solitary
Swimming zone: Bottom
Diet: Carnivore
Breeding: Egg scatterer

Water parameters

Temperature24–28°C

pH6.5–7.5

General hardness (GH)5–15 dGH

Recommended range

Fin nipper Eats small fish Eats shrimp Eats snails Suitable for planted tanks At most 1 per tank

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

The hairy puffer looks furry because of the short, fine projections covering its skin. It lives in the fast-flowing, rocky stretches of the Mekong River and hunts by waiting motionless among the rocks. It can change its color from yellowish brown to gray to suit its surroundings. It usually stays at 10–12 cm and rarely reaches 15 cm.

Tank Setup

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

At least 80 liters for a single individual.
Decor made of stones and rocks; hiding hollows here and there.
Clean, oxygen-rich water and gentle to moderate flow; by nature it is used to flowing water.
It is very messy; a powerful filter and 30% water changes every week.

Diet

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Carnivorous. It is fed snails, shrimp, mussels and fish fillet. Infrequent but filling meals are enough; it is prone to being overfed.

Behavior and Compatibility

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

It looks slow and motionless, but it strikes in an instant at any fish that comes close. It is not suitable for a community tank.

Good companions: none; it must be kept alone.

Avoid: all fish, shrimp, snails.

A short profile for this species

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Natural Habitat Group and Colony Structure Breeding Health and Common Problems Sexing

Tank mates

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