Mekong tiger perch
Datnioides undecimradiatus
Also known as Thin-bar datnoid, Gold datnoid, North Thailand tigerfish
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
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Very rare
- Origin
- Native to the middle and lower Mekong basin in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, in large clear rivers near submerged wood and rapids.
- Family
- Datnioididae
Overview
Plan for a large tank of around 450 litres or more, since this predator reaches about 40 cm, with heavy filtration and weekly water changes. Keep it in fresh water at 24 to 28 C with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It is a calm predator that leaves larger tankmates alone but eats fish small enough to swallow, and it is usually kept singly or with big, peaceful companions. Feed meaty foods such as prawn, shrimp and earthworms, and start juveniles on bloodworm and brine shrimp before moving them onto larger items.
In the wild
The Mekong tiger perch lives in large, clear rivers of the Mekong basin, holding station near sunken timber and rocky rapids. It is a strictly freshwater datnoid with narrower bars than its relatives, which gives it the nickname thin bar. Provide a big tank with tall driftwood, open swimming space and strong, clean filtration. Keep the water near neutral and well oxygenated.
Good to know
Datnioides undecimradiatus is a freshwater tiger perch in the family Datnioididae, separated from other datnoids by its three narrow body bars. 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.
Did you know
Its three thin bars are the easiest way to tell it apart from the wider banded Siamese and Indonesian tiger perches it is often sold alongside.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Mekong tiger perch?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Siamese tiger perch
Datnioides pulcher17.7 in (45 cm)185 gal (700 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)
Indonesian tigerfish
Datnioides microlepis19.7 in (50 cm)180 gal (680 L)68–82°F (20–28°C)
Silver tiger perch
Datnioides polota11.8 in (30 cm)79 gal (300 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)
Silver shark
Balantiocheilus melanopterus15.7 in (40 cm)95 gal (360 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)
Black ghost knifefish
Apteronotus albifrons17.7 in (45 cm)85 gal (320 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)
Kissing prochilodus
Semaprochilodus insignis13.8 in (35 cm)135 gal (510 L)73–84°F (23–29°C)