A striking predatory fish known for its deep body and tiger-like stripes. Unlike other Datnoids, the Silver Datnoid is euryhaline and naturally inhabits estuaries; while it can survive in freshwater, it thrives in light brackish conditions. They are ambush predators with highly protrusible jaws capable of swallowing surprisingly large prey.
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) At a Glance
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Tank Requirements
Will Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Water Parameters
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Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Temperament & Compatibility
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
Fully grown Silver Datnoid. Requires a massive aquarium with heavy filtration. They will consume any fish small enough to fit into their mouths, so tank mates must be chosen carefully (large, deep-bodied fish).
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult, Full Grown
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young Silver Datnoid at typical sale size. They are notoriously shy at this stage and require lots of driftwood/hiding spots to feel secure. Must be upgraded to a much larger tank as they grow.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Juvenile
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Care Guide Summary
The Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish), scientifically known as Datnioides polota, belongs to the Oddballs family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 30 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) requires a brackish tolerant aquarium with a minimum volume of 450 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7–8.5 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Adult) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish), a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement.
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, and boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish).
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided and will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
How big does Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) get?
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) (Datnioides polota) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 30 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 450 litres and a tank length of at least 150 cm are recommended for Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) need?
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) thrives in brackish tolerant conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) peaceful or aggressive?
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) live alone?
Yes, Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) safe with shrimp?
No. Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding) and sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
These plants pair well with Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Fish Similar to Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Indonesian Datnoid (Tiger Fish)
Datnioides microlepis
A massive, deep-bodied ambush predator highly prized by monster fish keepers for its striking black and gold 'tiger' stripes. Native to the freshwater rivers of Southeast Asia, they possess huge mouths and will consume any fish small enough to fit. They are notoriously shy when young but grow into bold, impressive centerpieces. Due to intense conspecific aggression, they should be kept entirely solitary or in groups of 4 or more to disperse bullying.
Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)
Datnioides polota
A large, predatory, and fascinating species widely known in the hobby as the 'American Tigerfish' (AT) or Silver Datnoid. Note: Scientific consensus now recognizes Datnioides polota as the valid name, with D. quadrifasciatus often used as a synonym. Naturally found in brackish estuaries and river mouths, they adapt to freshwater but thrive in hard, alkaline, light-brackish conditions. They are aggressive predators and best kept singly or in very large groups.
Finger Fish
Monodactylus argenteus
The Silver Mono, or Finger Fish, is a stunning, fast-moving schooling fish known for its shiny, diamond-shaped body. They are euryhaline; juveniles inhabit freshwater or brackish estuaries, but adults require high-end brackish or full marine setups to thrive. They are active, voracious eaters that must be kept in groups to curb fin-nipping and internal aggression.
Pictus Catfish
Pimelodus pictus
An extremely active, striking silver catfish with black spots and incredibly long barbels, native to South America. While peaceful toward similarly sized tank mates, they are highly effective nocturnal predators that will easily swallow small fish (like Neon Tetras) whole. They are scaleless and possess sharp pectoral spines that can easily become entangled in aquarium nets.
Silver Arowana
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
A massive, prehistoric-looking surface predator native to the Amazon Basin. Known for their metallic silver scales and incredible jumping ability (used in the wild to catch insects from low-hanging branches). They grow exceptionally fast and require gigantic aquariums. They will consume any tank mate small enough to fit into their large, trapdoor-like mouths.
Panther Crab
Parathelphusa pantherina
A striking, fully aquatic freshwater crab endemic to Lake Matano in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Recognizable by its pale yellow-orange body covered in dark panther-like spots. They are opportunistic scavengers and predators that will hunt snails, shrimp, and bottom-dwelling or sleeping fish. They are notorious escape artists and require a very tight-fitting lid. Unlike many crabs, they do not require a land area, though they need plenty of underwater rock caves.