Indonesian Tigerfish
Datnioides microlepis
Indonesian Tigerfish (Datnioides microlepis) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 180 US gal min; aim for 68–82°F and pH 6.5–7.5. The Indonesian Tigerfish is best suited for experienced aquarists seeking a dynamic addition to a large tank.

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
Asia
- East & Southeast Asia
Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.
Indonesian Tigerfish Tank Setup
Create a spacious environment with both open swimming areas and plenty of hiding spots to promote natural behaviors. Use a substrate that mimics its native habitat and incorporate driftwood and plants to break line of sight, reducing territorial disputes. Maintain moderate to strong water flow and ensure lighting is not overly bright to mimic their natural conditions.
What Do Indonesian Tigerfishs Eat?
As omnivores, these fish are competitive feeders, so ensure a varied diet that includes both plant matter and protein sources. Fast, aggressive feeding behaviors can lead to health issues if they outcompete slower fish.
Indonesian Tigerfish Tank Mates
Ideal tank mates include similarly sized fish that can hold their own, such as larger cichlids and robust barbs. Avoid small or slow-moving species, which may become targets for aggression. Intraspecies, a single individual can establish its territory, but keeping multiple can lead to dominance issues if space is insufficient.
Are Indonesian Tigerfishs Good for Beginners?
Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. Aquarists often underestimate the space and filtration needs of this species, leading to poor water quality and increased aggression. Overcrowding is another common error, which can escalate territorial disputes and stress levels among tank inhabitants.
Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.
Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.




