he Silver Datnioides, also known as Silver Datnoid or Silver Tigerfish, is a striking freshwater fish prized for its unique appearance and behavior.
 
Species: The Silver Datnioides (Datnioides microlepis) belongs to the family Datnioididae, commonly referred to as "datnoids" or "tigerfish." They are native to freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia, particularly found in rivers and floodplains of countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Borneo.
Appearance: Silver Datnioides have a sleek, elongated body shape with silvery scales that shimmer in the light. They are characterized by distinct horizontal black stripes running along their body, reminiscent of tiger stripes. Juvenile Silver Datnioides may display more prominent striping which tends to fade as they mature.
Size: These fish can grow quite large, with adults reaching lengths of up to 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) in captivity, and even larger in the wild. Proper tank size is crucial to accommodate their growth.
Habitat: In the wild, Silver Datnioides inhabit slow-moving rivers, tributaries, and flooded forests with plenty of vegetation and hiding spots. They prefer warm, tropical waters with stable water parameters.
Diet: Silver Datnioides are carnivorous predators, feeding on a variety of live foods such as small fish, crustaceans, insects, and worms. In captivity, they will accept a diet of live or frozen foods like feeder fish, shrimp, bloodworms, and earthworms. Some may also accept high-quality pellet or tablet foods.
Tank Requirements: Due to their size and active nature, Silver Datnioides require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space. A tank size of at least 100 gallons (around 380 liters) or more is recommended for adult specimens. They appreciate a sandy substrate and the presence of driftwood or rock formations to mimic their natural habitat.
Tankmates: Suitable tankmates for Silver Datnioides include large barbs, catfish, and other similarly sized predatory fish. Avoid keeping them with small or timid species that may become targets of aggression or predation.