Hairy Puffer
Pao baileyi
Also known as: Ragged Puffer
A sedentary ambush predator that saves its aggression for feeding time.
About
The hairy puffer (Pao baileyi) is a freshwater species. Despite the "saltwater" tag, it belongs firmly in the rivers of the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia, where it makes its home among rocky substrates and fast-moving rapids in the mainstream and larger tributaries. The common name comes from its ragged, somewhat disheveled appearance, giving it a scruffier look than many of its puffer relatives. Don't let the beginner-friendly care rating fool you into thinking this is a community fish. It is genuinely aggressive and best kept with that in mind from the start. In the aquarium it spends most of its time tucked away and motionless, doing a convincing impression of a fish that has no interest in anything. That changes the moment food appears, which is when you see the personality this species is actually known for. A carnivore through and through, it needs meaty foods and hard-shelled prey to keep its ever-growing teeth worn down properly. A single specimen in a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding spots is usually the safest approach. With good care these fish are surprisingly long-lived, which is worth keeping in mind before you commit to one.
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Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Hairy Puffer get?
- The Hairy Puffer reaches about 3–6" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Hairy Puffer need?
- A minimum of 35 gallons is recommended for the Hairy Puffer.
- What water parameters does the Hairy Puffer need?
- The Hairy Puffer does best with a temperature of 73–79°F, a pH of 6–7.8, hardness around 5–15 dGH.
- Is the Hairy Puffer aggressive?
- The Hairy Puffer is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the Hairy Puffer eat?
- The Hairy Puffer is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Hairy Puffer live?
- With good care, the Hairy Puffer typically lives 8-15 years.
- Is the Hairy Puffer reef safe?
- The Hairy Puffer is not considered reliably reef safe and may harm corals or invertebrates.