Indonesian Tiger Fish

Indonesian Tiger Fish (Datnioides microlepis)

The Indonesian Tiger Fish / Sumatran Tiger Fish is a striking and highly sought-after predatory fish known for its bold black vertical stripes set against a gold or bronze body. Also referred to as the Indonesian Datnoid or Indo Tiger Dat, this species is prized for its intense coloration, alert personality, and confident presence in predator-style aquariums.

Native to freshwater and brackish rivers in Indonesia, especially around Sumatra and Kalimantan (Borneo), these fish can grow up to 40 cm in captivity. They require a spacious, well-filtered aquarium (minimum 400–500 L) with hiding spots, dim lighting, and a secure lid. A slow to moderate current and stable warm temperatures (26–30°C) will help them thrive.

Datnoids are carnivores and prefer a varied diet of frozen shrimp, whitebait, worms, and eventually high-quality sinking carnivore pellets. While they may be shy at first, they become confident over time and are best kept with other similarly sized, non-aggressive tankmates.

Highly intelligent and visually impressive, the Indonesian Tiger Fish is a standout showpiece for experienced aquarists.