New Guinea Tigerfish (Datnioides polota)

Fish in the family Datnioididae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameDatnioides polota

FamilyDatnioididae

Also known asSilver Datnoid, American Tigerfish, Four-Bar Datnoid

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentSemi-aggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size12 in

Minimum tank size125 gallons

Water parametersTemp 75-82°F, pH 7.0-8.2, GH 8-20 dGH

Appearance

Bright silver body with narrow black vertical bars, a pointed protrusible mouth, and a deep arched back.

Difficulty and care for the New Guinea Tigerfish

Hard

Origin and habitat

South and Southeast Asia (brackish estuaries)

Keeper notes

A predatory datnoid that often does best in slightly brackish water; eats small fish and shrimp and can be territorial. House with robust similarly sized tankmates. Sold in the freshwater trade but appreciates added salt.

Log New Guinea Tigerfish in your reef tank

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