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
- 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
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.
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.
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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