Maipenrai Aquarium: tropical and cold water fish exporter from Thailand
Keeping Siamese tigerfish (Datnioides microlepis) in an aquarium can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful attention to their specific needs due to their size, behavior, and water requirements. Here are some important considerations for keeping Siamese tigerfish in an aquarium
1. Tank Size
- Siamese tigerfish can grow quite large, up to 90 cm (3 feet), so a large tank is essential. A minimum tank size of 250-300 gallons (around 1000-1200 liters) is recommended for adult specimens. Smaller tanks will stunt their growth and lead to health issues.
2. Water Parameters
- Temperature: 24–30°C (75–86°F). This species thrives in warmer waters typical of Southeast Asia.
- pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.5 to 7.5.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (3–10 dGH).
- Regular water changes are necessary to keep water conditions optimal, as they produce a lot of waste.
3. Filtration
- Due to the large size and messiness of the fish, a powerful filtration system is essential. Look for high-quality, efficient filters capable of handling the heavy biological load. Consider a combination of canister filters and powerheads to ensure adequate water movement and filtration.
4. Tank Setup
- Aquascaping: Siamese tigerfish prefer clear, well-oxygenated water with a relatively open swimming space. You can add some rocks or driftwood for hiding spots, but avoid overcrowding the tank with decorations. They need plenty of space to swim.
- Lighting: Moderate lighting will suffice, as they don’t need high light intensity.
5. Diet
- Siamese tigerfish are carnivorous, so they will require a protein-rich diet. In captivity, they can be fed a variety of foods, such as:
- High-quality pellets or flakes designed for carnivorous fish.
- Live or frozen foods like fish, shrimp, and worms.
- Occasionally, you can offer smaller prey such as guppies or small feeder fish, but be cautious about overfeeding live prey, as it can introduce diseases.
6. Tankmates
- Compatibility: Siamese tigerfish are generally peaceful toward other large, robust fish but can be aggressive towards smaller or slower species. They are also territorial and may not tolerate other fish of similar size or appearance.
- It’s best to keep them with other large, fast-moving fish that can hold their own. Some good tankmates include larger species of cichlids, barbs, and other predatory fish.
- Avoid keeping them with small fish, as they may become prey.
7. Behavior and Temperament
- Siamese tigerfish are typically solitary and may become aggressive toward other fish, especially as they mature. They can be territorial, particularly in smaller tanks.
- They are not particularly social and may not form groups, so it’s often best to keep them singly unless you have a very large tank with plenty of hiding spots and swimming space.
8. Health and Maintenance
- Regular water testing (for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and pH) and water changes are key to maintaining their health.
- Watch out for common aquarium fish diseases like ich, fin rot, or parasites, especially if you’re keeping other species in the tank.
- Proper feeding is crucial to avoid obesity or malnutrition, so ensure a balanced diet and don’t overfeed.
9. Breeding
- Breeding Siamese tigerfish in captivity is very challenging, and there are no widely documented successful breeding attempts in home aquariums. In the wild, they spawn in large rivers, but replicating this environment in captivity is difficult.
Summary
In summary, keeping a Siamese tigerfish requires a large aquarium, stable water conditions, and careful attention to their diet and tankmates. They are a stunning and fascinating species, but their size, territorial nature, and carnivorous diet make them suitable for experienced fishkeepers who are prepared to meet their specific needs. If you’re up for the challenge, they can be a beautiful centerpiece in your aquarium.
