Cambodian Puffer

About

The Cambodian puffer (Pao cambodgiensis) is a freshwater species, not saltwater as sometimes listed, native to the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia, where it inhabits fast-moving stretches of river including rapids. That preference for well-oxygenated, flowing water is worth keeping in mind when setting up a tank, as good circulation will make this fish feel more at home. Like most puffers, it is a carnivore with the trademark beak-like teeth that need regular wear from hard-shelled foods such as snails, clams, and similar inverts. Skipping that can lead to overgrown teeth, which is a real welfare concern. Reaching somewhere between three and a half to six inches as an adult, it sits in a manageable size range for puffers, though it still carries the typical puffer attitude. Curious, bold, and often nippy toward tankmates. Keeping it with other fish is generally a risky proposition, and many keepers house it alone to avoid problems. With a lifespan pushing into the 8-to-10-year range, this is a longer commitment than many hobbyists expect from a fish this size. It is a rewarding species for someone willing to meet its needs, but not one to pick up casually.