Animal-World > Freshwater Fish > Perches and Perch-like Fishes > Gold Datnoid

Gold Datnoid

Gold Tiger Datnoid ~ Siamese Tiger Fish
Finescale Tigerfish Family: Datnioididae

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Datnioides microlepis
Syn: Coius microlepis Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken Childs

   The Gold Datnoid has been a standard in the aquarium industry for decades and one look at a healthy, large specimen will tell you why!

   Even though the price remains relatively high, the popularity of the Gold Datnoid endures. This beautiful fish would be a great addition to any large tank containing relatively non-aggressive, predatory fish 

   The Gold Datnoid is known by quite a number of equally descriptive names, from Gold Tiger Datnoid, Siamese Tiger Fish, Finescale Tigerfish, Yellow Tiger Fish, to the Black Barred Tiger Fish. As a general rule, the number of bars on the fish will tell you its approximate origin. Fish collected from mainland Southeast Asia usually have 5 full bars and ones collected from Borneo or Sumatra usually have 6 to 7 full bars.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Dream Aquarium Build your own aquarium The Coolest and Funnest Screensaver in the World.

Distribution:
   The Gold Datnoid was described by Bleeker in 1853. It is found on the Southeast mainland of Asia and Western Borneo, inhabiting large bodies of waters such as lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. It dwells among submerged trees and roots feeding on crabs, worms, and insect larvae.

Status:
   The Gold Datnoid is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Description:
   The Gold Datnoid is a deep bodied fish with a sharply slanted forehead. It has a golden toned body with black vertical bars. They are usually full bars extending across the entire body. Depending upon the geographic location, they can have between 5 and 7 bars.

Size - Weight:
   These fish can get up to at least 18 inches (45 cm).

Care and feeding:
   The Gold Datnoid are carnivores. They are a predator and their main diet consists of smaller fish although they can sometimes be coaxed into eating shrimp, worms or insects. One look at their large mouth will tell you that small tank mates will disappear quickly. They are not aggressive towards other species but will attempt to eat any fish that will fit into their mouth.
   A Gold Datnoid will require a large aquarium. A 60 gallon tank would house small to medium fish but if you plan on growing this fish to adult size, an aquarium in excess of 100 gallons will eventually be needed. It is suggested that they be provided with places for retreat such as rocks and caves, or driftwood. Floating plants can offer a sense of seclusion and also help to provide subdued lighting. Considering this as a brackish water species is a common mistake. There are species of Datniodes that live in brackish water but the Gold Datnoid is not one of them.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   The Gold Datnoid will swim in all parts of the aquarium although when first purchased, yours will probably hide near the bottom until it gets accustomed to its new home.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
Hardness and pH are not critical but the following have been suggested:
   Hardness: medium hard
   Ph: neutral to slightly alkaline 7.0 - 7.5 is fine
   Temp: 72-79 F (22 – 26°C}

Social Behaviors:
   They are non-aggressive towards other species but will sometimes quarrel among themselves. They will also attempt to eat any fish that will fit into their mouth. Unless your tank is huge, plan on keeping only one Gold Datnoid. They are quite long lived and have a life span of 10 years or longer.

Sexual Differences:
   Sexual differences are unknown.

Buy Gold Datnoid From LiveAquaria.com

Breeding/Reproduction:
   The Gold Datnoid have never spawned in a home aquarium. It is now being bred commercially in Indonesia. However the method used is, for now, a secret.

Availability:
   The Gold Datnoid is commonly available but may be relatively hard to find due to its high price. A special order may be required to get one.

Author: Ken Childs

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Latest Comments
i have owned one for about 2 years. he was a nothing you can see with your own eyes but now he's beautiful, healthy, and growing everyday. slow grower but worth the reward. His parent's were wonderful and the only reason I bought him or her. very lucky, I got to have the pick of the litter, would send picture's if i could. One of top show fishes I love right, there with the frontasa, longfin oscar, and arrowana. I have them all in my 180 gallon. WONDERFUL MIX, WONDERFUL TANK. thax for listening Pershaun Starks 2007-06-08
my gold datnoid is 5.5-6 inches long. he is very mellow. if you think that there might be a chance that the fish with him will fit in his mouth, even if only by a long shot, dont put it in there because chances are it can. if it can it will be put in there when your not expecting it. these guys are great fish to own. mine eats other fish, shrimp, and small soft shell cray fish Angelo Masiello 2006-05-12
A great fish. Very active and entertaining. Anonymous 2006-02-27
Some of the coolest comments:
I have six of these ranging in size from 12cm to 25cm. They seem to be very hardy and I keep at 26c. Very aggressive live feeders. They tend to hang back from smaller fish and lunge suddenly. The mouth is truly huge when fully projected and can cantelever some 5cm on occassions. A healthy fish will have well defined gold with black bands a clear tail fin. Fish that are not healthy will have black patches in the gold and a blackish fin. The colour seems to correct quite quickly in the right conditions. David Gillam 2006-04-04

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Author: Ken Childs
Edited by Animal-World

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