PERCHES
LOBOTIDAE FAMILY
The Lobotidae family consists of a few species of the genus Datnioides . This family inhabits brackish water river estuaries in Southeast Asia.
Siamese Tiger Fish, Tiger Fish
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Datnioides microlepis
SYN : None
PD : A thickset, high backed fish with lateral compression. The front portion of the dorsal finis inconspicuous, lying close to the body. The caudal fin is fan shaped and the anal fin is small. The body color is white to yellowish brown with five broad, black vertical bands, The first runs through the eye, while the last marks the caudal peduncle. The first rays of the pelvic fin are white, while the rears parts are black. The other fins are white to brown.
SIZE : To 24" (61 cm) in nature, although rarely exceeds 16" (41 cm) in captivity.
SS : Datnioides quadrifasciatus
HAB : In brackish waters of Borneo, Cambodia, Sumatra, and Thailand
S : bottom, middle
TANK : A 36" (91 cm) or 35-45 gallon (132-170 L) tank is sufficient for fish up to 8" (20 cm) in length. Larger fish require a tank measuring at least 48" (122 cm) with a volume exceeding 50 gallons(190 L). The tank should have subdued lighting possibly with a cover of floating plants. This species requires hiding places such as rocks, wood, or caves. Use plants that can tolerate brackish conditions along the rear and sides of the tank.
WATER : pH 6.5-7.5 (7.0), 6-15 dH (8), 72-82°F (22-28°C). A 1-1.5% addition of salt is suggested. Add 7.5-11 TSP of salt per 10 gallons (10-15 g/10 L).
SB :Keep only with other large, hardy brackish water fish. The Tiger fish is tolerant of its own species and may battle over territory with other species. A good candidate for a species tank.
SC : Scats, Archers, Monos, Puffers, Arius.
FOOD : Live; fish, earthworms, Tubifex, insects, crustaceans; meat, beef heart; occasionally pellets
SEX : Unknown
B : Unknown. Reported to spawn in freshwater rivers in nature.
BP : 10. Breeding has yet to be accomplished in captivity.
R : There is a variation of Datnioides microlepis that had wider bands from the Chao Phraya river.
DC : 7. This hardy and aggressive species requires live foods and brackish water conditions. It reaches a large size and demands a large tank.
Many-barred Tiger Fish, Silver Tiger Fish, Silver Datnoid, Four-barred Datnoid
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Datnioides quadrifasciatus
SYN : Chaetodonquadrifasciatus, Datnioides polote
PD : Similar in body shape to D. microlepis except this species is slightly more elongated. The body color is gray white and the head may have an amber iridescence. The body is marked with seven black stripes. The first of these runs from the mouth to the eye where it forks with one part running to the back and the other toward the throat. The base of the caudal fin is marked with two black spots. The fins are transparent except for the pelvic fin which is white and black.
SIZE : To 18" (60 cm) in nature, although rarely larger than 12" (30 cm) in captivity.
SS : Datnioides microlepis
HAB : In brackish water river estuaries in Asia and Australia; Borneo, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, the Ganges of India , Thailand , and Sumatra.
S : bottom
TANK : A 32" (91 cm) or 30 gallon (114 L) tank is sufficient for fish up to 7" (18 cm) in length. Larger fish require a tank measuring at least 40" (101 cm) with a volume exceeding 45 gallons(170 L). Follow suggestions for D. microlepis.
WATER : pH 6.5-7.3 (6.9), 6-15 dH (8), 72-82°F (22-28°C). A 1-1.5% addition of salt is suggested. Add 7.5-11 TSP of salt per 10 gallons (10-15 g/10 L).
SB : As for D. microlepis.
SC : Scats, Archers, Monos, Puffers, Arius.
FOOD : Live; fish, earthworms, Tubifex, insects, crustaceans; meat, beef heart; occasionally pellets
SEX : Unknown
B : Unknown
BP : 10. Breeding has yet to be accomplished in captivity.
R : Despite its wider distribution, this species is less common than Datnioides microlepis in the hobby .
DC : 7. This hardy and aggressive species requires live foods and brackish water conditions. It reaches a large size and demands a large tank.