Fin's Fish Guide
The Cochinchina puffer (Pao cochinchinensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The Cochinchina puffer is a freshwater pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from the Mekong basin and adjacent rivers in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a stocky, scaleless, yellow-brown body with dark spots and large, mobile eyes; when threatened it inflates with water. With a strong beak-like jaw it crushes snails, crustaceans and insect larvae. Its organs contain deadly tetrodotoxin; the fish must not be eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cochinchina puffer?
The Cochinchina puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Cochinchina puffer live?
The Cochinchina puffer lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam, Thailand
How big does the Cochinchina puffer get?
The Cochinchina puffer grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Cochinchina puffer dangerous to humans?
The Cochinchina puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. This fish contains tetrodotoxin, a powerful nerve poison with no antidote; do not eat it. After ingestion tingling, numbness, muscle weakness and breathing problems can develop within an hour. Call emergency services at once; prompt medical monitoring and breathing support are life-saving.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pao
More from the family Tetraodontidae
Want the complete picture on the Cochinchina puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cochinchina puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.