Photos © Sean Evans
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Common name: | Siamese Tigerfish, Wide Bar Dat/Tigerfish, Siamese Tiger Perch |
Scientific name: | Datnioides pulcher |
Synonyms: | Coius pulcher (not valid, see discussion) |
Size: | Up to 16" (40cm), but usually smaller in aquaria. |
Origin: | Asia: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins |
Tank setup: | A large tank with open swimming space, subdued lighting. |
Compatibility: | Predatory, will eat smaller fish. Peaceful with other large fish. |
Temperature: | 22-26oC (72-79oF) |
Water chemistry: | Neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7.0-7.5), medium hard. |
Feeding: | Carnivore: Live foods, but it should be possible to wean the fish onto dead
meaty foods such as whitebait, cockles, mussels and prawns. Bloodworm and brine shrimp are suitable for
juvenile fish. |
Sexing: | Unknown |
Breeding: | Unknown |
Comments: |
A very striking fish which has wide regular bands that can be used to distinguish the fish from D. microlepis
(see Fishbase ).
Specimens from the lower Mekong have a fifth bar, which is absent in those from the Chao Phraya basin.
This species appears to be less aggressive towards other tigerfish than D. microlepis.
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