Fin's Fish Guide
The Smooth-tailed puffer (Pao leiurus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Tetraodontidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
The smooth-tailed puffer is a pufferfish from fresh water of Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Indonesia, notably the Mekong basin. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a stocky body that it can inflate with water. It eats molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrates, supplemented with some plant matter, and is notably aggressive and snappish. Like many puffers it is considered possibly poisonous; caution with consumption is advised. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smooth-tailed puffer?
The Smooth-tailed puffer has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Can inflate itself; aggressive and prone to biting; flesh possibly poisonous
Where does the Smooth-tailed puffer live?
The Smooth-tailed puffer lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast Asia
How big does the Smooth-tailed puffer get?
The Smooth-tailed puffer grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Smooth-tailed puffer dangerous to humans?
The Smooth-tailed puffer is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat this puffer: the flesh is considered possibly poisonous (tetrodotoxin). If symptoms of poisoning occur (tingling, paralysis), call emergency services immediately and support breathing.
Is the Smooth-tailed puffer edible?
The Smooth-tailed 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 Smooth-tailed puffer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smooth-tailed puffer is one of 12,519 species in the app.