Can Finger Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Finger Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 470 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Finger Fish

Monodactylus argenteus

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)

Datnioides polota

🐟Family Group
Finger Fish
Oddballs
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Oddballs
Temperament
Finger Fish
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Finger Fish
24–28°C
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Finger Fish
7.5–8.5
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Finger Fish
12–30
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Finger Fish
Brackish Required
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Finger Fish
Moderate
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 470 L
Finger Fish
470 L
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
450 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Finger Fish
Middle
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Finger Fish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperPlant DestroyerAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Finger Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)?

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.

Finger Fish
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Finger Fish is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is moderately assertive (6/10). This modest difference means Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) may occasionally assert dominance over Finger Fish.

Finger Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat. Keep fin nippers in larger groups to distribute nipping behaviour among conspecifics rather than tank mates.

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 8.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 12–25 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Finger Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 470 litres with a minimum length of 150 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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 Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Finger Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 470 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Finger Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) need?

A minimum of 470 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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 Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) aggressive?

Finger Fish is moderately assertive (5/10) and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Finger Fish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–8.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Finger Fish nip Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)'s fins?

Finger Fish is a known fin nipper. If Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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)

·

Possible with Caution
Finger Fish: PeacefulMono Sebae (Brackish): Peaceful

Finger Fish & African Arowana

·

Not Recommended
Finger Fish: PeacefulAfrican Arowana: Peaceful

Finger Fish & Alligator Gar

·

Possible with Caution
Finger Fish: PeacefulAlligator Gar: Peaceful

Finger Fish & Banded Archerfish (Brackish)

·

Possible with Caution
Finger Fish: PeacefulBanded Archerfish (Brackish): Peaceful

Finger Fish & Black Ghost Knifefish

·

Not Recommended
Finger Fish: PeacefulBlack Ghost Knifefish: Peaceful

Finger Fish & Clown Knifefish

·

Not Recommended
Finger Fish: PeacefulClown Knifefish: Peaceful

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) & Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)

·

Possible with Caution
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish): PeacefulSilver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish): Peaceful

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) & Cuban Gar

·

Possible with Caution
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish): PeacefulCuban Gar: Peaceful

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) & Florida Gar

·

Possible with Caution
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish): PeacefulFlorida Gar: Peaceful

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) & Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)

·

Possible with Caution
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish): PeacefulIndonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish): Peaceful

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) & Peter's Elephantnose Fish

·

Possible with Caution
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish): PeacefulPeter's Elephantnose Fish: Peaceful

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) & African Knifefish

·

Possible with Caution
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish): PeacefulAfrican Knifefish: Peaceful