A highly predatory freshwater pufferfish native to the Mekong basin. Named for its V-shaped, flattened head, it is a specialized ambush predator that buries itself in sand with only its eyes and upwards-facing mouth exposed. It is notoriously aggressive and will consume or fatally bite any tankmate, regardless of size. Must be kept strictly solitary.
Arrowhead Puffer At a Glance
Arrowhead Puffer Tank Requirements
Will Arrowhead Puffer fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Arrowhead Puffer needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Arrowhead Puffer against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Arrowhead Puffer Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Arrowhead Puffer Temperament & Compatibility
Arrowhead Puffer Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard commercial form. It absolutely requires a soft sand substrate (at least 2-3 inches deep) to exhibit natural burrowing behavior and prevent abrasions. It is completely intolerant of conspecifics and other fish species.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Arrowhead Puffer Care Guide Summary
The Arrowhead Puffer, scientifically known as Pao suvattii, belongs to the Puffers family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a globular body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as highly aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Arrowhead Puffer requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 114 litres and a tank length of at least 75 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Arrowhead Puffer is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Arrowhead Puffer is typically available in one standard form.
Arrowhead Puffer Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Arrowhead Puffer, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Arrowhead Puffer Compatibility Notes
Classified as highly aggressive, the Arrowhead Puffer is best housed alone, as they do not tolerate others of their kind in confined spaces. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, snails will be treated as food rather than tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Arrowhead Puffer Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Arrowhead Puffer.
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
Show 12 more tank sizes
Arrowhead Puffer Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Arrowhead Puffer is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, and actively feeds on snails and can be used as a natural snail population control.
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions About Arrowhead Puffer
How big does Arrowhead Puffer get?
Arrowhead Puffer (Pao suvattii) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 15 cm. They have a globular body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Arrowhead Puffer need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 114 litres and a tank length of at least 75 cm are recommended for Arrowhead Puffer. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Arrowhead Puffer need?
Arrowhead Puffer thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Arrowhead Puffer peaceful or aggressive?
Arrowhead Puffer is classified as highly aggressive with an aggression score of 10 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Arrowhead Puffer live with others of its kind?
No. Only one Arrowhead Puffer should be kept per tank. Keeping multiples in the same aquarium typically results in aggression and stress.
Is Arrowhead Puffer safe with shrimp?
No. Arrowhead Puffer is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Will Arrowhead Puffer eat snails?
Yes. Arrowhead Puffer actively feeds on snails. While this can be useful for controlling pest snail populations, it means decorative snails should not be housed with this species.
Does Arrowhead Puffer have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Arrowhead Puffer benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Arrowhead Puffer
These plants pair well with Arrowhead Puffer based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Crepidomanes Fern
Crepidomanes auriculatum
Fish Similar to Arrowhead Puffer
Fahaka Puffer
Tetraodon lineatus
A massive, highly intelligent, and extremely aggressive freshwater pufferfish native to the Nile, Senegal, and Niger rivers. Often referred to as 'water dogs' due to their owner recognition and begging behavior. They are strictly solitary pets that will relentlessly attack and kill any tank mates. They require a diet of hard-shelled invertebrates to keep their ever-growing teeth trimmed.
Mbu Puffer
Tetraodon mbu
The largest freshwater pufferfish in the world, originating from the Congo River. Known for their 'puppy-like' intelligence and personality, they recognize owners and interact with them. However, they grow to massive sizes and possess a beak capable of crushing hard-shelled invertebrates. Unlike many puffers, they are true freshwater fish and do not need salt. They require massive filtration and a diet of hard foods (clams, snails) to keep their teeth trimmed.
Green Spotted Puffer (Brackish)
Dichotomyctere nigroviridis
The Green Spotted Puffer is a highly intelligent but notoriously aggressive fish. While frequently (and incorrectly) sold as a freshwater species, they strictly require brackish water that increases in salinity as they mature, eventually needing high-brackish or full marine conditions as adults. They have beak-like teeth that grow continuously and must be worn down by a diet of hard-shelled foods. Best kept entirely alone.
Dwarf Pea Puffer
Carinotetraodon travancoricus
The Dwarf Pea Puffer is a tiny, fully freshwater pufferfish native to India. Despite their cute appearance, they are fierce micropredators and notorious fin-nippers. Modern husbandry standards strongly dictate they are highly social and must be kept in species-only shoals of 6 or more in heavily planted aquariums to disperse aggression and reduce stress. They require a steady diet of small snails and live/frozen foods.
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
Dichotomyctere ocellatus
A small, highly intelligent, and interactive pufferfish known for the distinctive figure-eight pattern on its back. While often sold as freshwater fish, they strictly require a low-end brackish environment (Specific Gravity 1.005-1.008) for long-term health and a full lifespan. They are aggressive fin-nippers and strict carnivores that require hard-shelled foods (like snails) to keep their continuously growing teeth trimmed.
Amazon Puffer
Colomesus asellus
One of the few truly freshwater, community-safe pufferfish. Native to the Amazon basin, these energetic swimmers are known for their bumblebee-like stripes and erratic swimming patterns. Unlike most puffers, they are social and prefer to be kept in groups. CRITICAL WARNING: This species has the fastest-growing teeth of any puffer. They REQUIRE a daily diet of hard-shelled foods (snails, clams, crustaceans) or they will require manual dentistry (trimming) to prevent starvation.