Pao Abei Puffer (Red Spot Puffer)
Description
The Pao Abei Puffer (Pao abei) is a small freshwater pufferfish native to the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Mae Klong river basins of Southeast Asia. In the wild it settles into sandy or muddy riverbeds and ambushes passing prey. Its dark body is covered in numerous pale spots that often take on an orange tint in live specimens, giving this compact predator a bold, mottled look that stands out in any freshwater setup.
Key Features
- Scientific Name: Pao abei (formerly Tetraodon abei / Monotrete abei)
- Common Names: Pao Abei Puffer, Red Spot Puffer, Red-Spotted Puffer, Abei Puffer
- Current Size: Approximately 2-3"
- Adult Size: Up to about 4 inches (10 cm)
- Temperament: Aggressive, territorial ambush predator
- Diet: Carnivorous – snails, clams, shrimp, and other hard-shelled foods to keep its beak worn down
- Appearance: Dark background covered in numerous pale, orange-tinged spots
- Tank Level: Bottom and mid-water dweller
Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: 30+ gallons recommended for a single specimen
- Water Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- pH Range: 6.0-7.5
- Substrate: Sand or fine substrate to mimic its natural riverbed habitat
- Tank Setup: Freshwater only, with driftwood, plants, and open sandy areas where it can settle and ambush food
Care Tips
- Offer shelled foods regularly (snails, clams, shrimp-in-shell) – like all puffers, its teeth never stop growing and need to be worn down.
- Best kept as a solo specimen; it does not tolerate its own kind and will bite or kill tankmates.
- Strong filtration and frequent water changes are a must, as puffers are messy, heavy eaters.
- Freshwater for its entire life – no salt required.
Compatibility
The Pao Abei Puffer is not a community fish and is best kept alone in a species-only tank:
- Avoid other puffers, fin-nippers, and slow-moving tankmates.
- Will eat snails, shrimp, and any small fish it can fit in its mouth.
- A single-specimen, species-only tank is strongly recommended.
Why Choose the Pao Abei Puffer?
For aquarists who love oddball, personality-driven fish, the Pao Abei Puffer is a bold, inquisitive little predator that stays fairly compact while packing all the charisma puffers are known for. Its striking spotted pattern and attentive behavior make it a rewarding challenge for anyone ready to give it a tank of its own.
Current size is approximately 2-3". Photos coming soon!
**SOLD INDIVIDUALLY; SPECIES-ONLY TANK RECOMMENDED**
Type a description for this product here...
