Last updated on September 6th, 2022 at 02:05 am
Datnioides pulcher, also known as the Siamese tiger fish, Siamese tiger perch, Indonesian tiger fish, gold datnoid, or finescale tigerfish, is a species of freshwater fish from Southeast Asia and the northern Malay Peninsula. A large, predatory fish, it was originally only found in the Chao Phraya and Mekong river basins in Thailand and Laos but has since been introduced to rivers around the world by humans.
This introduction has caused conflict with local authorities because of its large size, predatory nature, and difficulty removing it once it’s established in an area due to its wide distribution range.
Datnioides pulcher is an omnivorous freshwater ray-finned fish native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Cyprinidae, which includes carps, minnows, and others, such as goldfish and carp. The fish has a gold color with lighter black stripes and red fins with white tips on its dorsal and caudal fins.
They are considered critically endangered, but if you’re looking to add one to your home aquarium, you can find them for sale online. The pet industry has helped to sustain the population of this species by giving them new homes when their natural habitat begins to disappear or becomes less stable. You might have noticed that these fish are often yellow and black striped, which is why they are sometimes called zebrafish or leopard fish instead of Siamese tiger fish.
Origin and description
The Siamese tigerfish originates from freshwater areas of Southeast Asia and northern Australia. This species is a popular fish in aquariums, although its predatory behavior makes it dangerous to other tank mates.
The diet of a Siamese tigerfish should consist of smaller fish and insects; don’t try to offer live shrimp or worms because your pet may mistake them for food! Although they have been bred in captivity since 1972, they are rare in home aquariums.
If you’re interested in adding one to your collection, make sure you buy one that has been captive-bred as opposed to wild-caught; wild-caught specimens are less likely to adapt well to living with other fish. It can be difficult but rewarding work caring for a Siamese tigerfish properly.
After you decide on a particular type of fish, it’s important to think about how much time and effort you want to put into taking care of it. Do you have room in your life for an active pet? Are there any allergies or other factors that might limit your options? These considerations will help narrow down which pets are right for you—and then there’s no looking back!
Species profile
Datnioides pulcher belongs to the family of Datnioididae. This fish is native to Asia, particularly in Thailand and Vietnam. Its natural habitat is freshwater lakes and rivers with a temperature range of 64–78 degrees Fahrenheit. The fish has a lifespan of 15 years in captivity but can live up to 18 years in its natural habitat. It grows to an average length of 12 inches and weighs about 1 pound.
It is commonly known as Siamese tiger perch or dragonfish because it resembles a cross between both creatures. While some people eat Datnioides pulcher, it is not recommended for consumption due to a high mercury content that causes side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
However, there are ways to remove most of the toxin from Datnioides pulcher before eating it. For example, boiling at 212 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes will eliminate 90 percent of the mercury in the fish’s tissue; however, cooking at temperatures lower than 212 degrees will not be effective against mercury toxicity.
Common names
Datnioides pulcher is also known by other names such as Siamese tiger fish or Siamese tiger perch, Indonesian Tiger Fish, Gold Datnoid, and Finescale Tigerfish.
Habitat
The Siamese tiger fish can be found in rivers and streams from northern Vietnam to northeastern Cambodia. It prefers clear water that is moderately fast-flowing with a moderate degree of current. This species prefers habitats with sand or gravel substrates, though it can also be found in rocky areas. They are omnivorous, eating insects, crustaceans, and zooplankton. They can be aggressive and territorial when defending their territory.
Datnioides pulcher size
Datnioides pulcher can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) in length.
Datnioides pulcher tank size
Due to their big size, the minimum recommended tank size is 100 gallons (379 liters)
Siamese tiger fish tank mates
Siamese tiger perch is best housed in a species-only aquarium of at least 100 gallons with plenty of live rock for them to graze on. In larger aquariums, several can be kept together as long as there are multiple places for them to hide. It’s important to understand that these fish are aggressive eaters and should not be housed with slower tank mates.
Some good tankmates are green chromides, archers, and big sleeper gobies.
Datnioides pulcher breeding
It is impossible to breed Siamese Tigerfish in a home aquarium. Commercial breeding is now conducted in Indonesia. It is, however, a secret that has yet to be revealed.
Are they aggressive or peaceful?
Datnioides pulcher are considered to be peaceful species. However, they are best kept in a large aquarium of 60 gallons or more because of their adult size, as they will not get along with each other when housed together. They also should not be kept with fish that have long fins. When startled, they may become aggressive toward humans and other pets such as cats and dogs. These fish should not be kept with small children because of their delicate barbels that can easily become injured.
Datnioides pulcher care
The siamese tiger fish, also known as Datnioides pulcher and an exotic-looking species of freshwater perciform fish belonging to the genus Datnioides and is one of the numerous species belonging to the family Datniodidae. This species is native to Indo-Malayan countries but introduced in other parts of Southeast Asia, such as Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Peninsular Malaysia. It can be found in tropical waters at depths ranging from 1 meter to 10 meters.
It grows up to a maximum length of 40 centimeters or 16 inches and weighs up to 50 grams or 1.8 ounces respectively, while females are usually larger than males. It has a lifespan up to 15 years and matures between 3 months and 6 months after birth with sexual maturity reached at 8 months after birth for both sexes respectively.
Datnioides pulcher can get messy when eating. Keeping their tanks clean can be very difficult if they are set up to match their natural surroundings. External canister filters are necessary for this reason. At least 30% of the water should be changed every week.
Datnioides pulcher diet
Indonesian Tiger Fish are mostly carnivorous in nature. Fish fry, small fish, shrimps, crabs, worms, and insect larvae are the primary foods that they feed on in the wild. The typical diet of these fish in an aquarium consists of small fish, although they can also be coaxed into eating shrimp, worms, and insects.
You can tell that those small tank mates will disappear quickly once you see their large mouth. Despite their non-aggressive nature, they will try to consume any fish that will fit in their mouths.
Tank requirements
There is no restriction in where the Gold Tiger Datnoid swims. When you first purchase it, yours will probably hide at the bottom of the shelving unit until you get used to it. An aquarium of this size is required. The size of an aquarium should be 60 gallons or larger for small to medium fish, and over 100 gallons for fish that will eventually grow to adulthood.
For maintaining a high standard of water quality, a large external filter is essential. Make sure you have a cover that fits tightly because these fish will jump.
A common mistake is assuming this species lives in brackish water. Siamese Tiger Fish does not belong to any Datnoid species that lives exclusively in brackish water.
Seawater has no chance of preserving them, and strongly brackish waters will not either. If the water is slightly brackish with a specific gravity of 1.005 to 1.010, they may do fine, but anything above that will harm them.
It is true that a very low specific gravity of 1,003 to 1,005, though not mandatory, can help you maintain good health in the long run.
Natural habitats for Datnioides pulcher fish consist of submerged roots and trees. By using their striped patterning, they camouflage themselves among the vegetation and wait for prey to approach. It’s recommended that aquariums provide places for them to retreat, such as rocks and caves. You can create a sense of seclusion and provide subdued lighting by setting floating plants and some sturdy aquatic plants in the substrate.
It is more challenging to maintain a tank with a more natural environment because it provides a more natural environment. Too much decor makes it difficult to clean up after these big messy predators. To get the best view of these fish, people have also had great success keeping them in very minimally decorated tanks. Either setting seems to work fine for these fish.
Datnioides pulcher lifespan
These fish species can live up to 15 years with good care
Parasites and diseases
The Siamese tiger fish is susceptible to parasites and diseases. According to a study published in Fisheries Management and Ecology, scientists observed a strain of nematode worms infecting these fish in their natural habitat, resulting in mortality rates as high as 50 percent.
The World Wide Fund for Nature states that some strains of parasitic worms can be transmitted to humans if they consume infected fish or prepare them improperly. What’s unique about them: This species of fish has a specialized respiratory system called retrograde breathing, which allows it to breathe air directly from above water by means of an operculum.
Adaptability
It is true that a very low specific gravity of 1,003 to 1,005, though not mandatory, can help you maintain good health in the long run.
Natural habitats for Datnioides pulcher fish consist of submerged roots and trees. By using their striped patterning, they camouflage themselves among the vegetation and wait for prey to approach. It’s recommended that aquariums provide places for them to retreat, such as rocks and caves. You can create a sense of seclusion and provide subdued lighting by setting up floating plants and some sturdy aquatic plants on the substrate.
It is more challenging to maintain a tank with a more natural environment because it provides a more natural environment. Too much decor makes it difficult to clean up after these big messy predators. To get the best view of these fish, people have also had great success keeping them in very minimally decorated tanks. Either setting seems to work fine for these fish.
Do Datnioides pulcher make good pets?
Yes! Datnioides pulcher are among one of the most beautiful freshwater aquarium fish, with colors ranging from a pink-orange to blue-black. Many aquarists keep them because they’re easy to care for, and generally a peaceful addition to an aquarium community. However, that doesn’t mean you should just jump in and buy one without researching their needs first.