| Pao baileyi | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Tetraodontiformes |
| Family: | Tetraodontidae |
| Genus: | Pao |
| Species: | P. baileyi |
| Binomial name | |
| Pao baileyi (Sontirat, 1989) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Pao baileyi, [2] the hairy pufferfish, is a species of pufferfish usually found in the rocky habitats, including rapids, of the Mekong mainstream and its larger tropical freshwater tributaries. [3]
P. baileyi grows to around 12 centimetres (4.7 in) SL and can be identified by the epidermal outgrowths (formally called cirri) covering its head and body. [3] The cirri tend to be more profuse in the juvenile state, becoming reduced or non-existent as the fish gets older. The abdomen is usually golden or orange, with no markings. [3] Like other pufferfish, P. baileyi is scaleless, and is therefore extremely sensitive to water quality. [3]
P. Baileyi is occasionally seen in the aquarium industry. It is commonly fed both dead and live fish, and while it is not known to be a picky eater, it is strictly a carnivore. The fish often fetches a high price, commonly going over $100 USD.
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