(Pao abei)
Overview
The Abei Puffer is a beautiful freshwater puffer native to Southeast Asia. Known for its striking patterning and inquisitive personality, it is an intelligent species that quickly learns to recognise its owner. Best suited to experienced fishkeepers due to its specialised diet and water quality requirements.
Adult Size
10–12 cm (4–5 inches)
Lifespan
8–10+ years with proper care.
Tank Size
Minimum: 120 litres
Larger aquariums are recommended, especially for heavily decorated aquascapes.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.5–7.8
GH: 5–15 dGH
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Excellent filtration and regular water changes are essential.
Diet
Abei Puffers require a varied, meaty diet.
Recommended foods:
Snails (excellent for tooth wear)
Mussel
Cockle
Prawn
Earthworms
Bloodworms
Krill
Frozen shellfish
Avoid relying solely on soft frozen foods, as puffers need hard-shelled foods to help keep their continuously growing teeth worn down.
Temperament
Intelligent and interactive.
Can be territorial.
May nip fins or attack slower fish.
Best kept alone or with great care alongside carefully chosen, fast-moving tank mates.
Aquarium Setup
Provide:
Plenty of wood and rocks
Dense planting
Open swimming space
Strong filtration with moderate flow
Secure lid (puffers can jump)
A well-structured aquarium helps reduce stress and territorial behaviour.
Tank Mates
Proceed with caution.
Possible companions may include:
Larger, fast-moving schooling fish
Robust loaches (only in suitably large aquariums)
Avoid:
Shrimp
Snails (unless used as food)
Slow or long-finned fish
Small community fish
Many keepers successfully keep Abei Puffers in species-only aquariums.
Maintenance
Weekly 30–50% water changes.
Test water regularly.
Remove uneaten food promptly.
Monitor tooth growth and body condition.
Interesting Facts
Puffers can recognise their owners.
They use independently moving eyes to scan their surroundings.
They can inflate when threatened, though this should never be intentionally provoked.
Each fish develops its own unique personality.
Difficulty
(Intermediate to Advanced)
Ideal For
Aquarists looking for an intelligent, interactive display fish that thrives in a well-maintained freshwater aquarium.