Fin's Fish Guide
The Humpback puffer (Pao palembangensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The humpback puffer is a freshwater pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from slow, shaded water of Southeast Asia, including Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, brown-mottled body with skin folds and projections, making it resemble a mossy stone or leaf. As an ambush hunter it lies motionless on the bottom and engulfs passing small fish, snails and crustaceans. Its skin and organs contain tetrodotoxin; eating it is dangerous.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Humpback puffer?
The Humpback puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Humpback puffer live?
The Humpback puffer lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Andaman Is.
How big does the Humpback puffer get?
The Humpback puffer grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Humpback puffer dangerous to humans?
The Humpback puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat: skin, viscera and gonads contain tetrodotoxin, a potent nerve poison with no antidote. If ingested with symptoms (tingling, muscle weakness, breathing difficulty): call emergency services immediately and support breathing.
Is the Humpback puffer edible?
The Humpback puffer is not usually eaten.
More photos
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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 Humpback puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Humpback puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.