P. paru has economic importance in the commercial aquarium trade and is collected by means of non-damaging nets. They are sold for a minimum of fifty-six dollars in the aquarium trade. The high tolerance to physical changes, disease-resistance, and longevity establishes this species as an ideal aquarium specimen. This hardiness enables aquarium owners to enjoy the beauty and elegance of this fish in their homes

There is minor commercial fishery use of P. paru. Their flesh has been marketed and is used for human consumption in Singapore and Thailand (Eli 2000,   http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FrAng.htm).