Cambodian Puffer

About

Found in the river systems of Southeast Asia, Pao cochinchinensis is a small freshwater puffer native to the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, with populations possibly extending into the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. Despite being listed here as saltwater, this species is firmly a freshwater fish. Worth flagging if you're sourcing one. Adults reach only a few inches in length, making them one of the more compact puffers available to hobbyists, but don't let the size fool you. Like most puffers, this one carries a bold, confrontational personality and will readily harass or nip at tankmates. It is best kept alone or with carefully chosen, robust companions. And even then, close observation is a good idea. The carnivorous diet means you'll need to provide hard-shelled invertebrates like snails or clams regularly to keep those ever-growing teeth worn down to a manageable length. Neglecting dental care is one of the more common reasons these fish decline in captivity. With reasonable attention to diet and tankmate selection, a keeper with some prior puffer or cichlid experience should find this species manageable. A well-maintained individual can live the better part of a decade.