Freshwater
Puffer
More details
Hairy Puffer (Pao baileyi)
Pro
Pro
Description
The Hairy Puffer is a rare ambush predator with bristle-like filaments across its body that help it blend into rocky substrates. Known for its cryptic behavior, raw power, and intelligence, this species is best kept alone and admired for its unique adaptations and personality.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Hairy Puffer (Pao baileyi)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Specialized needs for space, feeding, and isolation. Not suitable for community tanks.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Almost exclusively wild-caught from Southeast Asia; ethical sourcing is vital due to habitat pressures.
Origin
Found in the Mekong River and its tributaries in Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. Prefers rocky or crevice-rich environments with minimal current.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
A stocky body with mottled earth tones and fleshy dermal filaments gives it a “hairy” or moss-covered look. Sits motionless for hours before exploding in ambush. Pairs unusual looks with surprising awareness and interaction.
Purpose
Kept as a solo display species—an oddball centerpiece for puffer keepers seeking a smart, terrestrial-feeding predator with long-term appeal.
Importance
For advanced aquarists only. Their intelligence, feeding displays, and cryptic lifestyle offer a compelling challenge that rewards patient keepers.
Included Resources
Requires a heavily structured aquascape with caves, shadows, and minimal flow. Secure lid is mandatory. Low light helps encourage activity. Enrichment includes rearranged decor or live feeding events.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks with strong filtration. Oddball or predatory fishkeepers. Not compatible with planted community setups or tankmates of any kind.
Conservation Context
Collected from habitats under threat from damming, pollution, and overfishing. Seek trusted exporters or conservation-minded suppliers when possible.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• None — best kept solo
• Some keepers attempt divided tanks with visual-only companionship
• Tankmates risk being attacked, injured, or eaten
Region (A)
• Latitude: 16.5662° N
• Longitude: 104.7286° E
(Mekong River near Nakhon Phanom, Thailand)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 13.3667° N
• Longitude: 105.5833° E
(Upper Mekong region, eastern Cambodia)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Hairy Puffer (Pao baileyi)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Specialized needs for space, feeding, and isolation. Not suitable for community tanks.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Almost exclusively wild-caught from Southeast Asia; ethical sourcing is vital due to habitat pressures.
Origin
Found in the Mekong River and its tributaries in Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. Prefers rocky or crevice-rich environments with minimal current.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
A stocky body with mottled earth tones and fleshy dermal filaments gives it a “hairy” or moss-covered look. Sits motionless for hours before exploding in ambush. Pairs unusual looks with surprising awareness and interaction.
Purpose
Kept as a solo display species—an oddball centerpiece for puffer keepers seeking a smart, terrestrial-feeding predator with long-term appeal.
Importance
For advanced aquarists only. Their intelligence, feeding displays, and cryptic lifestyle offer a compelling challenge that rewards patient keepers.
Included Resources
Requires a heavily structured aquascape with caves, shadows, and minimal flow. Secure lid is mandatory. Low light helps encourage activity. Enrichment includes rearranged decor or live feeding events.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks with strong filtration. Oddball or predatory fishkeepers. Not compatible with planted community setups or tankmates of any kind.
Conservation Context
Collected from habitats under threat from damming, pollution, and overfishing. Seek trusted exporters or conservation-minded suppliers when possible.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• None — best kept solo
• Some keepers attempt divided tanks with visual-only companionship
• Tankmates risk being attacked, injured, or eaten
Region (A)
• Latitude: 16.5662° N
• Longitude: 104.7286° E
(Mekong River near Nakhon Phanom, Thailand)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 13.3667° N
• Longitude: 105.5833° E
(Upper Mekong region, eastern Cambodia)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Hairy Puffer (Pao baileyi)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Specialized needs for space, feeding, and isolation. Not suitable for community tanks.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Almost exclusively wild-caught from Southeast Asia; ethical sourcing is vital due to habitat pressures.
Origin
Found in the Mekong River and its tributaries in Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. Prefers rocky or crevice-rich environments with minimal current.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
A stocky body with mottled earth tones and fleshy dermal filaments gives it a “hairy” or moss-covered look. Sits motionless for hours before exploding in ambush. Pairs unusual looks with surprising awareness and interaction.
Purpose
Kept as a solo display species—an oddball centerpiece for puffer keepers seeking a smart, terrestrial-feeding predator with long-term appeal.
Importance
For advanced aquarists only. Their intelligence, feeding displays, and cryptic lifestyle offer a compelling challenge that rewards patient keepers.
Included Resources
Requires a heavily structured aquascape with caves, shadows, and minimal flow. Secure lid is mandatory. Low light helps encourage activity. Enrichment includes rearranged decor or live feeding events.
Best Use Cases
Species-only tanks with strong filtration. Oddball or predatory fishkeepers. Not compatible with planted community setups or tankmates of any kind.
Conservation Context
Collected from habitats under threat from damming, pollution, and overfishing. Seek trusted exporters or conservation-minded suppliers when possible.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• None — best kept solo
• Some keepers attempt divided tanks with visual-only companionship
• Tankmates risk being attacked, injured, or eaten
Region (A)
• Latitude: 16.5662° N
• Longitude: 104.7286° E
(Mekong River near Nakhon Phanom, Thailand)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 13.3667° N
• Longitude: 105.5833° E
(Upper Mekong region, eastern Cambodia)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Hairy Puffer (Pao baileyi)
Region
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