Siamese tigerfish - Datnioides polota

Scientific name: Datnioides polota

Common name: Siamese tigerfish

Family: Datnioididae

Usual size in fish tanks: 27 - 30 cm (10.63 - 11.81 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 16°N (71.43 - 285.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Oceania

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Origin

Asia; Siamese tigerfish are found in India, Indonesia, and New Guinea. They are mainly found in brackish waters and this should be replicated in the aquarium.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Datnioides polota is 8-12 years.

Short description

The Siamese tiger fish are one of the smaller species of datnoids available in the hobby and are often the first choice for keepers new to keeping this family of fish species. Datnioides polota can be fussy about the water quality; an excellent filtration system is a must. They will need open swimming spaces and the sexes should be kept on an equal ratio. These fish are just as happy in a planted set up with wood or rocks to provide hiding places or in an open set up with little added to the aquarium, they are often kept in freshwater conditions but for long term health it is much better to keep them in brackish water to replicate their natural habitat. They do need a lot of space however as they can grow up to 12 inches in length, the recommended minimum size for the aquarium should be at least 48 inches and larger if more than one specimen is housed together.

The Siamese tiger fish is classed as a carnivorous species and as such should never be housed with smaller tank mates, they are also aggressive to their own kind so this problem can be controlled if more than two are kept to spread the aggression rather than housing a pair.

They can be kept with similar sized species that prefer brackish water such as scats but try to avoid keeping them with fish that have a similar colouration or these could soon become the target of the aggression.

Food and feeding

Siamese tigerfish will accept quality flake or pellets as their staple diet but they will also need variations as they can get bored with the same foods. Brine shrimp, blood worms, and white worms will keep them interested in their feeding. As they mature larger foods can be offered such as prawns or chopped earthworms but the use of feeder fish is not regarded as good practice as this can increase the chance of disease being added to the aquarium from the food offered.