Siamese Tigerfish
Datnioides microlepis
Siamese Tigerfish (Datnioides microlepis) is a freshwater fish that suits calm freshwater aquariums. Its adult size of up to 45 cm should still be matched with stable water and compatible fish.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- up to 45 cm
- Aquarium size
- 900 L or larger
- Care level
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Temperature
- 22–26 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- GH
- 5–20 dGH
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 15 years
- Group behavior
- No; Loners
Overview
Siamese Tigerfish (Datnioides microlepis) is a freshwater aquarium fish for aquariums where the layout leaves enough swimming room and the water stays stable.
Use these values as planning checks, then make sure the aquarium still has room for behavior, group needs, and calm community fish.
Care requirements
With a Intermediate – Advanced care level, Siamese Tigerfish is best for aquarists who can keep water quality steady and plan compatibility before adding the fish.
With a lifespan of up to 15 years, this is a fish to plan for long term rather than an impulse addition.
Aquarium size and space needs
An aquarium of 900 L or larger can be a reasonable starting point, but it should not be read as permission to overstock.
At up to 45 cm, Siamese Tigerfish stays small, but it still needs room to move, feed, and avoid constant competition.
Water parameters
The temperature range for this fish is 22 to 26 °C, which fits many tropical freshwater aquariums. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.
The pH range for this fish is 6.5 to 7.5. That points to slightly acidic to neutral water, but stability is more important than sudden corrections.
The GH range for this fish is 5 to 20 dGH. That gives some flexibility, but sudden changes are usually more stressful than a stable value that is slightly imperfect.
Temperament and compatibility
Siamese Tigerfish needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data suggests space, boundaries, or similar-sized fish may matter.
Feeding
Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.
Natural habitat and origin
This profile currently lists the origin as Thailand Indonesia Cambodia. Treat this as a broad regional note rather than a complete habitat description.
Before adding this fish
Use this checklist before treating the profile as a match for an existing aquarium.
- Plan for an aquarium of 900 L or larger.
- Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.
- Keep pH stable within the listed range instead of making sudden corrections.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Offer a varied diet that matches this species.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Siamese Tigerfish get?
Siamese Tigerfish reaches up to 45 cm according to this profile. It stays relatively small, but aquarium planning should still account for swimming room.
What aquarium size does Siamese Tigerfish need?
Plan for an aquarium of 900 L or larger. Treat this as a baseline, because fish also need suitable swimming room and compatible fish.
Is Siamese Tigerfish peaceful?
Siamese Tigerfish needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.
What temperature is suitable for Siamese Tigerfish?
The temperature range for this fish is 22 to 26 °C. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs and avoid sudden temperature swings.