Fin's Fish Guide
The Mekong puffer (Pao turgidus) is a freshwater fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The Mekong puffer is a freshwater pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) from slow water of the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 19 cm and has a stocky, yellow-brown body with dark blotches and a pale belly. When threatened it gulps water and inflates. As a bottom-oriented predator it crushes snails and other molluscs with strong jaws. Its skin and organs contain tetrodotoxin; eating it is dangerous.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mekong puffer?
The Mekong puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Mekong puffer live?
The Mekong puffer lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Asia: Laos, Thailand
How big does the Mekong puffer get?
The Mekong puffer grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Mekong puffer dangerous to humans?
The Mekong 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 Mekong puffer edible?
The Mekong puffer is not usually eaten.
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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 Mekong puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mekong puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.