Mekong Puffer

Pao suvattii

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Other names: Arrowhead puffer, Pignose puffer, Suvattii, Tetraodon suvattii

Group: Oddballs and specialty fish · Family: Tetraodontidae · Origin: Southeast Asia — Mekong basin (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia)

A master of ambush that waits for prey half-buried in sand, with a pointed head resembling an arrowhead. It reaches 15 cm, may not move for days and must be kept alone in the aquarium.

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: 15 cm
Minimum tank size: 100 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 Mekong puffer is recognized by its pointed head, which resembles an arrowhead. It is an ambush predator: half-buried in the substrate or sand, it waits without moving for hours or even days and catches prey passing nearby in a single strike. It can match its color to the substrate. It reaches around 15 cm and is a fish with personality that recognizes its owner and comes alive at feeding time.

Tank Setup

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

At least 100 liters for a single individual; a large footprint.
Fine sand substrate and a few rocks and roots; an area where it can rest half-buried.
25–27°C, water close to neutral; no salt needed.
As a puffer it fouls the water heavily; a good filter and regular water changes are essential.

Diet

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Carnivorous. Offer snails, shrimp, mussels and fish fillet; shelled foods are needed to wear down the teeth. As an ambush predator it eats infrequently; two to three meals a week are enough for adults.

Behavior and Compatibility

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Although it looks motionless, it is extremely aggressive; it bites or eats any fish that comes near it.

Good companions: none; it must be kept alone.

Avoid: all fish, shrimp, snails and other puffers.

A short profile for this species

The Mekong Puffer page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.

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

Tank mates

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