Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Indonesian [Indo] Tiger Datnoid, also known as the Indo Tigerfish and 4 Bar Sumatran Datnoid, is found throughout Peninsular Malaysia and the Indonesian islands. While found in a range of environments in the wild, the Indo tiger datnoid prefers warm, slow moving stretches of water. This ambush predator will hang motionless waiting for fish or invertebrate prey to swim by, which it grabs with its protrusible mouth parts. Hobbyists should take into account the large adult size and specific water requirements needed for an Indo tiger datnoid before considering one for their aquarium. An adult Indo tiger datnoid can reach a size of approximately 16″.
Diet Requirements: Datnoids are carnivores and may need to be offered live food as a precursor to frozen foods. These suggestions vary to a juvenile vs. adult Indo tiger datnoid. Live foods: Ghost shrimp or earthworms are good options. Frozen foods: bloodworms, pieces or whole shimp, chopped fish, and mussels. Because datnoids are more sedentary, an adult may need not be fed every day. Check the body mass of your datnoid and feed accordingly, which may be every few days. Note: Beef heart should be avoided because datnoids cannot metabolize some of the lipids.
Care Requirements: A minimum 90 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small Indo tiger datnoid. An adult requires much more space upwards of 200+ gallons. This fish cannot be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm) as datnoids do not like high nitrates and are sensitive to deteriorating water parameters. Equipping the aquarium with a canister filter can also be advantageous to maintain a healthier and well-oxygenated environment. Given their ambush predator nature, Indo tiger datnoids would appreciate some cover in terms of driftwood or plants. Juvenile specimens require a more decorated aquarium than adults, which are less fussy. Indo tiger datnoids are generally peaceful and can be compatible with a wide variety of fish, so long as they are not overly boisterous in nature that would cause intimidation to your datnoid, or too small to be eaten. Recommended water conditions, 76-84° F, KH 2-15, pH 5.5-7.5.
Purchase Size: Small: 2” to 3”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
