Siamese Tiger Perch (Datnioides pulcher)

Family: Datnioididae

Siamese Tiger Perch — a Datnioididae from Mekong basin, SE Asia, peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Reaches 30–44 cm; keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour. 22–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
30–44 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates
Origin
Mekong basin, SE Asia

Species overview

A Datnioididae species native to Mekong basin, SE Asia: Datnioides pulcher lives bottom-dwelling over warm freshwater streams and lakes. Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Adults reach 30–44 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Datnioides species we profile, alongside Datnioides microlepis.

Native biotope

Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Keep in a group of 4–6 for natural behaviour
Diet
Omnivore; prepared foods with regular variety
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Compatible size and temperament
Avoid keeping with
  • Fin-nippers — Constant stress

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning

Frequently asked questions

Is Siamese Tiger Perch easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Siamese Tiger Perch need?

Aim for 22–26 °C. Stable temperature matching the species origin; 22.0–26.0 °C typical for the genus.

How big does Siamese Tiger Perch get, and what tank size?

Full size is 30–44 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Siamese Tiger Perch eat?

Omnivore; prepared foods with regular variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Siamese Tiger Perch live with other fish?

Peaceful; keep with similar-sized calm tankmates. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Compatible size and temperament. Avoid Fin-nippers — Constant stress.

Where does Siamese Tiger Perch come from?

Comes from Mekong basin, SE Asia: warm freshwater streams and lakes. Expect still to gentle current and moderate oxygen levels.

Does Siamese Tiger Perch jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Siamese Tiger Perch breed?

Breeding is straightforward scatter-spawning. Subtle external differences.