Description

• Habitat: Found in freshwater rivers, swamps, and estuaries, particularly in Indonesia, Thailand, and parts of Southeast Asia. They prefer slow-moving waters with plenty of vegetation.
• Appearance: Datnioides microlepis is known for its striking appearance, with vertical black and yellow stripes across its body. These stripes give it a “tiger” look, hence the common name.
• Size: They can grow up to around 40 cm (16 inches) in length, making them relatively large fish in the home aquarium trade.
• Diet: In the wild, they are carnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans. In captivity, they may accept a variety of live or frozen foods such as shrimp, fish, and worms.
• Behavior: They are generally solitary fish but can be territorial. In a well-maintained tank, they can coexist with other large, non-aggressive species.
• Aquarium Care: They require large tanks (200+ gallons), stable water conditions, and good filtration. Since they come from slow-moving waters, a moderate water flow in the tank is sufficient.

Datnioides microlepis is popular among aquarists for its bold pattern and predatory behavior, but it’s also a species that requires careful handling and a large, well-maintained tank.