Can Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) and Red Fin Caudopunk Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) and Red Fin Caudopunk are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)

Datnioides microlepis

Red Fin Caudopunk

Neolamprologus caudopunctatus

🐠Family Group
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
Oddballs
Red Fin Caudopunk
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Red Fin Caudopunk
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
24–28°C
Red Fin Caudopunk
23–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
6.5–7.5
Red Fin Caudopunk
8–9
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
5–15
Red Fin Caudopunk
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
Freshwater Only
Red Fin Caudopunk
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
Moderate
Red Fin Caudopunk
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 680 L
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
680 L
Red Fin Caudopunk
75 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
MiddleBottom
Red Fin Caudopunk
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorAggressive to same species/look-alikesShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Red Fin Caudopunk
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) and Red Fin Caudopunk?

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.

Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
Red Fin Caudopunk
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) and Red Fin Caudopunk are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) and Red Fin Caudopunk both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) (6.5–7.5) and Red Fin Caudopunk (8–9) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) and Red Fin Caudopunk 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: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Sand (Sifters), Shells (Breeding/Hiding). 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) and Red Fin Caudopunk are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) and Red Fin Caudopunk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) and Red Fin Caudopunk live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) and Red Fin Caudopunk 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 Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) and Red Fin Caudopunk together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) or Red Fin Caudopunk aggressive?

Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) is moderately assertive (6/10) and Red Fin Caudopunk is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) and Red Fin Caudopunk need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish) prefers 6.5–7.5, while Red Fin Caudopunk needs 8–9. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Red Fin Caudopunk's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Red Fin Caudopunk space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 11, 2026
Last updated
May 11, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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