Can Finger Fish and Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) Live Together?
Finger Fish and Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Finger Fish and Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)?
Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Behaviour & Temperament
Finger Fish is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) may occasionally assert dominance over Finger Fish.
Finger Fish and Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.
Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 12–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Tank Setup
To house Finger Fish and Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 680 litres with a minimum length of 180 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.
Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.
Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Finger Fish is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)'s requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.
Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Finger Fish and Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish).
Feeding products to consider
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Finger Fish and Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Finger Fish and Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) need?
A minimum of 680 litres (tank length at least 180 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.
What water temperature is best for Finger Fish and Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Finger Fish or Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) aggressive?
Finger Fish is moderately assertive (5/10) and Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Finger Fish and Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) need?
Both species overlap in the 7.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.
Will Finger Fish nip Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)'s fins?
Finger Fish is a known fin nipper. If Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Finger Fish in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.
Related Comparisons
Finger Fish & Mono Sebae (Brackish)
·
Finger Fish & African Arowana
·
Finger Fish & Alligator Gar
·
Finger Fish & Banded Archerfish (Brackish)
·
Finger Fish & Black Ghost Knifefish
·
Finger Fish & Clown Knifefish
·
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) & Peter's Elephantnose Fish
·
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) & African Knifefish
·
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) & Antennae Stingray
·
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) & Congo Bichir
·
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) & Fire Eel
·
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) & Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
·