
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Datnioides microlepis
A large fish from Sumatra and Kalimantan, yellowish grey with six or seven broad dark bars.
Datnioides microlepis is a large lobotid centred on Sumatra and Kalimantan. Bleeker described it in 1854 from the Kapuas River at Pontianak, and it included D. pulcher until that species was separated in 1998. It has the deepest body in the genus; Seriously Fish gives 40-50cm standard length, FishBase 55cm total length, with a maximum of 65cm total length recorded from South Sumatra. Six or seven broad dark bars mark the flanks. Seriously Fish recommends 20-28C, pH 5.5-7.5 and 2-15dGH, and since the fish does not enter brackish water marine salt is unnecessary. Captive reproduction is unrecorded; fishermen on the Kapuas report spawning in April and May with no parental care.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Indonesian Tiger Perch lives 12-18 years.
The Indonesian Tiger Perch grows to 40-50cm.
The ideal temperature for the Indonesian Tiger Perch is 20〜28℃.
Origin
Indonesia (Sumatra and Kalimantan) and Peninsular Malaysia
Lifespan
12-18 years
Size
40-50cm
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
20〜28℃
Prawn, mussel, strips of fish, earthworms
Seriously Fish states the species is suitable only for public installations or the very largest private aquaria. Large external filtration or a sump is essential, and the heater should be guarded.
Seriously Fish gives 20-28C, pH 5.5-7.5 and 2-15dGH; FishBase records 22-26C in the wild. It does not enter brackish habitats, so marine salt is unnecessary.
It can be kept with similarly sized fishes given space, but is intimidated by territorial or competitive species. Juveniles may group, while adults are aggressive towards conspecifics and similarly shaped fishes, so keep one alone or five or more together.
A piscivore with highly protrusible jaws. Feed juveniles bloodworm and earthworms, adults strips of fish, prawn and mussel, two or three times a week. Avoid mammalian and avian meat and feeder fish.
Sexual dimorphism is unknown and it has not been bred in captivity. Observations by fishermen on the Kapuas suggest it is non-migratory, spawning in April and May with no parental care.
Seriously Fish notes that this species is sometimes sold as D. pulcher to raise its price, so count the body bars when buying: this species has six or seven. It travels badly and newly imported fish often refuse food.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Indonesian Tiger Perch is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Indonesian Tiger Perch is 12-18 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Indonesian Tiger Perch typically reaches 40-50cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Indonesian Tiger Perch feeds on: Prawn, mussel, strips of fish, earthworms. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Indonesian Tiger Perch varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026