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Mekong Tiger Perch (Datnioides undecimradiatus)

Mekong Tiger Perch (Datnioides undecimradiatus)

The Mekong Tiger Perch (Datnioides undecimradiatus) is another species of freshwater tripletails that are also known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the North Thailand Tigerfish, Thinbar datnoid, Siamese tigerfish, Gold datnoid, and Tiger datnoid.

The Mekong Tiger Perch is found in the large tributaries and main waterways of the Mekong River Basins of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam where they feed on small fish and shrimp.

The Mekong Tiger Perch has three main bands, which are narrower than those of Datnioides microlepis and Datnioides pulcher, hence one of their common names the “Thin Bar Dat”.

Mekong Tiger Perch (Datnioides undecimradiatus)

Mekong Tiger Perch (Datnioides undecimradiatus)

The Mekong Tiger Perch has 12 dorsal spines, 16 to 19 soft dorsal rays, 3 anal spines with 10 to 11 soft rays, and relatively narrow vertical bars on their flanks.

The first vertical bar does not usually continue onto the thorax or across the ventral area. The second bar begins at the base of the 5th or 6th dorsal spine. They usually have 11 branched rays on their anal fins.

They do not have as deep a body as Datnioides microlepis or Datnioides pulcher.   This species also appears less robust than Datnioides microlepis, and is usually intimidated by them when the two species are housed together.

The Mekong Tiger Perch is classed as semi aggressive and should be housed with tank mates of the same disposition and size. Like all Datnioides, they require high water quality, so regular large water changes are a must. Because of their large size as adults, they need a large densely planted tank of at least 100 gallon capacity with a fine gravel or sandy substrate, some driftwood and bogwood
roots, some floating plants, and plenty of open swimming spaces. They do best in dimly lit tanks with subdued lighting.

Nothing is known about the breeding activities or sexing of the Mekong Tiger Perch however, it is reported that they have been bred commercially by Indonesian aquaculturists.

The Mekong Tiger Perch is a predatory carnivore, but it can be weaned onto eating dead meaty foods like shrimp, prawns, whitebait, mussels, etc. Juveniles will readily accept brine shrimp and bloodworms and can be trained to accept carnivore pellets.

Datnioides undecimradiatus is extremely rare to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts and when available for purchase at any size command an extremely high price.

Mekong Tiger Perch (Datnioides undecimradiatus)

Mekong Tiger Perch (Datnioides undecimradiatus)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Shy, peaceful with similar sized fish
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 73°-81°F, KH 5-17, pH 6.3 – 7.2
Max. Size: 13-16 inches
Color Form: Yellow, Black
Diet: Carnivorous
Compatibility: Aggressive to smaller fish
Origin: SouthEast Asia; Mekong River Basins
Family: Datnioididae
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Advanced

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