The suvattii is a species of freshwater pufferfish belonging to the Pao genus.
The P.suvattii previously belonged to the Tetraodon and Monotrete genera until being reassigned in 2013 to Pao.
Common names for this species include Mekong Puffer, Pignosed Puffer, Hognosed Puffer, and Arrowhead Puffer.
The specific name honors Chote Suvatti, ichthyologist and former professor of Kasetsart University who greatly contributed to the taxonomic work on fish in Thailand.
This pufferfish requires highly oxygenated water with a medium to strong flow, but not overpowering.
Good strength of flow can be achieved with spray bars from a canister filter, angled towards the top of the water.
Powerheads with narrow gaps in the grill can also be used to create additional flow. We would advise that cages or guards (such as anemone guards) are used on powerheads to prevent entrapment/injury.
This species prefers a scape that includes an abundance of spaces in which it can hide, but the tank must also provide lots of areas of the uncovered substrate to allow for wallowing (read substrate).
Water-logged driftwood and smooth boulders/rocks can be incorporated into the scape of the aquarium. Hardy epiphytes, such as Anubias and Java fern varieties, can be attached to the hardscape for decorative purposes and to provide additional areas of harbourage, but plants that need to be planted into the substrate should be avoided because the P.suvattii will disturb the roots.