Mekong tiger perch
Datnioides undecimradiatus
Also known as Thin-bar datnoid, Gold datnoid, North Thailand tigerfish
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Adult size
- 15.7 in
- 40 cm
- Minimum tank
- 119 gal
- 450 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Very rare
- Family
- Datnioididae
- Origin
- Native to the middle and lower Mekong basin in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, in large clear rivers near submerged wood and rapids.
Overview
The Mekong tiger perch is a calm predator that holds the middle of a very large freshwater tank. It is a fish for experienced keepers.
Did you know
The Mekong tiger perch's three thin bars are the easiest way to tell it from the wider-banded Siamese and Indonesian tiger perches. It is often sold alongside them.
Caring for the Mekong tiger perch
Plan for a large tank of 119 gal (450 L) or more, with tall driftwood and open swimming space. The Mekong tiger perch needs heavy, clean filtration and weekly water changes.
Keep it in fresh water at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C), with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The water should stay near neutral and well oxygenated. Feed meaty foods such as prawn, shrimp and earthworms. Start juveniles on bloodworm and brine shrimp before moving them onto larger items.
The Mekong tiger perch is a calm predator that leaves larger tank mates alone but eats fish small enough to swallow. Keep it singly or with big, peaceful companions.
Good to know
The Mekong tiger perch, Datnioides undecimradiatus, belongs to the family Datnioididae. Its narrow bars give it the nickname thin bar. Unlike the brackish silver tiger, it stays in fresh water throughout its life. It is a slow-growing predator that is rarely available and commands high prices in the hobby.
In the wild
The Mekong tiger perch lives in large, clear rivers of the middle and lower Mekong basin, in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. It holds station near sunken timber and rocky rapids.
Common questions
What size tank does a Mekong tiger perch need?
A Mekong tiger perch needs at least 119 gal (450 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Mekong tiger perch need?
A Mekong tiger perch is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.
What does a Mekong tiger perch eat?
A Mekong tiger perch eats meaty foods such as prawn, shrimp and earthworms. Juveniles start on bloodworm and brine shrimp before they move on to larger items.
How big does a Mekong tiger perch get?
An adult Mekong tiger perch reaches about 15.7 in (40 cm).
Related species
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