Datnoid

Also known as: Datnioides microlepis

Datnoid (Datnioides microlepis) is a large, predatory freshwater fish native to Southeast Asian river systems. The Datnoid originates from Southeast Asia, specifically found in the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Mae Klong river basins of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam., reaches 60 cm in captivity, typically lives 15, and is kept at 24C (75F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.

Species at a glance

Origin: Southeast Asia, specifically found in the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Mae Klong river basins of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Adult size: 60 cm (24 in)
Life span: 15
Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial, especially toward conspecifics and similarly sized fish; best kept singly or in very large groups with ample space.
Tank size: 400 L (105 gal)
Water temp: 24C (75F)
pH range: pH 6.5-7.5
Diet: Carnivorous; feeds on live or frozen fish, shrimp, earthworms, and high-protein pellets; requires varied diet to maintain health and coloration.
Other names: Datnioides microlepis

About the Datnoid

Datnoid (Datnioides microlepis) is a large, predatory freshwater fish native to Southeast Asian river systems. It exhibits a distinctive silver body with bold vertical black bars and a deeply forked tail, giving it a tiger-like appearance. Adults can reach up to 60 cm in length and are known for their powerful build and ambush hunting behavior. In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving, turbid waters with submerged vegetation and root systems.

Lifespan and health

With optimal care, Datnoids typically live 12–15 years in captivity, though exceptional specimens have reached 18+ years in very large, well-maintained systems. Longevity is directly tied to water quality, diet variety, and low stress; chronic poor conditions or inadequate space significantly shorten lifespan. Regular monitoring of weight, appetite, and behavior is essential—sudden lethargy, clamped fins, or loss of coloration often signal underlying issues. Common health issues include bacterial infections (such as fin rot or ulcers) from poor water quality, parasitic infestations like Ichthyophthirius (Ich) when new fish are introduced without quarantine, and digestive blockages from ingesting indigestible material (e.g., gravel). Obesity and hepatic lipidosis are risks from overfeeding high-fat foods. Preventative care includes quarantining all new arrivals for 4–6 weeks, maintaining UV sterilization, and providing a diet rich in variety and low in saturated fats. Prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics or antiparasitics, guided by a veterinarian experienced with fish, is critical for recovery.

Overview

Care and tank setup

Datnoids require a minimum tank size of 400 liters (105 gallons) for a single adult, with larger volumes (600L+/160G+) strongly recommended for long-term health and to reduce aggression. The tank should be densely planted with hardy species like Java fern or Anubias, supplemented with driftwood and rock caves to provide hiding spots and break lines of sight. A sandy substrate is preferred to mimic natural riverbeds, and moderate water flow should be maintained using a canister filter rated for at least twice the tank volume. Water parameters must be kept stable: temperature between 24–28°C (75–82°F), pH 6.5–7.5, and hardness between 5–15 dGH. Perform 30% weekly water changes to manage nitrate levels, as Datnoids are sensitive to poor water quality. Use a secure lid, as they are powerful jumpers. Lighting should be moderate to low, simulating their natural shaded habitat. Feed a varied carnivorous diet 4–5 times per week, offering meals the size of the fish’s eye; avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity and fatty liver disease. Suitable foods include live feeder fish (quarantined), frozen krill, silversides, earthworms, and high-protein carnivore pellets. Never rely solely on dry food. Tankmates must be chosen carefully: only large, peaceful, fast-moving species like adult Bala sharks, large gouramis, or similarly sized Datnoids in groups of 5+ (in tanks >800L) may work; avoid small fish, shrimp, or slow-moving species that may be seen as prey.

Adding a Datnoid? Research the species’ adult size and temperament carefully, quarantine new fish before introducing them to your tank, and buy from reputable aquarium stores or breeders.

Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Datnoid, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.