Big Spot Puffer
Big Spot Puffer
Big Spot Puffer (Pao sp. 'Chao Phraya River') is an unconfirmed Pao species from the Chao Phraya River drainage of Thailand — characterized by particularly large, well-defined dark spots on a pale body, giving a bolder and more graphic pattern than most spotted puffers. The 'big spot' name is entirely descriptive.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Clams on the Half Shell and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms make excellent primary staples. Supplement with live or frozen snails, mussels, and shrimp with intact shells for essential dental wear. The clams on the half shell provide hard shell material in addition to the meat — ideal for puffer dental health. Feed 2–3 times daily.
From the Chao Phraya River system of central Thailand — one of Thailand's major river systems flowing through Bangkok to the Gulf of Thailand. An unconfirmed species designation means this fish may represent a distinct undescribed species or a locality variant within the Pao genus.
All puffer fish have fused, beak-like teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives. Hard foods — snails, shellfish, and crustaceans with intact shells — are essential for wearing down the teeth. A puffer fed only soft foods will eventually develop overgrown teeth that prevent eating, a condition requiring veterinary intervention. Snails and hard-shelled foods are dental care, not just food. Hard foods are essential for dental health.
Keep singly. A species tank provides the best environment for long-term health.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Aggressive — species tank recommended |
| Typical Adult Size | 6.0 inches (15 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly |
| Ideal Temp | 74–82°F (23–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 5–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 2–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Clams on the Half Shell; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Treat / Supplement | Live/frozen snails; mussels; shrimp with shells (dental essential) |
| Origin | Chao Phraya River drainage, central Thailand (species unconfirmed) |
| Notes | Pao sp. — unconfirmed species. Chao Phraya River, Thailand. Large bold spots — very graphic pattern. Snail colony essential. |
