Datnoid Fish Guide: Care, Types & Where to Buy Online in the U.S.

The Datnoid, also known as the Tiger Fish or Dat, is one of the most visually striking and personality-rich monster fish in the aquarium hobby. Known for their bold vertical stripes, powerful feeding behavior, and aggressive intelligence, Datnoids have earned a cult following among predator fish keepers. If you're looking for a showpiece predator with serious attitude, the Datnoid might be your dream fish.

In this guide, we'll cover:

• What makes Datnoids special

• Types of Datnoids (NGT, Indo, etc.)

• Proper care and tank requirements

• Feeding strategies

• Where to buy Datnoids online (with confidence)

Types of Datnoids:

1. Indonesian Tiger Datnoid (IT/Indo)

• Most common type

• Vibrant gold/yellow base with strong black bars

• Hardy and beginner-friendly among Datnoids

2. Northern Golden Datnoid (NGT)

• Rare and more expensive

• Deep gold coloration with fewer, thicker stripes

• Slightly more aggressive and territorial

3. Other Variants:

• Siamese Tiger (extinct in wild, rarely available)

• Silver and Wide Bar Dats (less common in U.S.)

Datnoid Tank Setup:

Feature	Recommendation
Tank Size	Minimum 75 gallons for juveniles; 125–180+ for adults
Substrate	Bare bottom or fine sand; darker substrate enhances colors
Tankmates	Best with large semi-aggressive fish (bichirs, oscars, arowana)
Decor	Driftwood and hiding spots for security
Filtration	Heavy-duty canisters or sumps
Lid	Tight-fitting; they can jump under stress

Datnoid Feeding: Datnoids are carnivorous predators that require a high-protein diet.

• Live or frozen shrimp

• Tilapia fillets or chopped white fish

• Bloodworms and blackworms (for smaller specimens)

• High-quality carnivore pellets (for training onto prepared foods)

• Avoid overfeeding; they have a slow metabolism

Training them to eat pellets may take time and patience, but it's worth it for long-term health.

Datnoid Behavior and Personality:

• Intelligent, reactive to movement, and often develop recognition of their owner

• Territorial toward smaller tankmates, especially in tight spaces

• Known for being shy at first, but confident over time

• Often play "statue" until feeding time, then explode into action

Legality and Availability in the U.S.: Datnoids are legal to own in most U.S. states. Always double-check state import restrictions for exotic fish, but generally, Indo and NGT Datnoids are safe to purchase and keep.

Where to Buy Datnoids Online: At RobsAquatics.com, we offer:

• Captive-raised Indo and NGT Datnoids

• Carefully acclimated, quarantined, and parasite-treated specimens

• Live Arrival Guarantee on all fish

• Secure overnight shipping with heat or cold packs

🛒 Shop Datnoids Now →

Datnoid FAQs:

Q: How big do Datnoids get?
A: Most Datnoids reach 10–14 inches, depending on the species and tank size.

Q: Are Datnoids aggressive?
A: They can be semi-aggressive and territorial, especially when confined. Compatible with large, bold fish.

Q: What is the best food for a Datnoid?
A: Frozen shrimp, tilapia chunks, worms, and high-quality pellets. Avoid feeders.

Q: Can I keep more than one Datnoid?
A: Yes, but expect some dominance behavior. Groups of 3+ tend to distribute aggression more evenly.

Final Thoughts: Datnoids are ideal for experienced aquarists who want a unique, intelligent predator fish with dramatic flair. With proper care and setup, they can become the crown jewel of your predator tank.

Ready to buy your first (or next) Datnoid?
Check our current availability at RobsAquatics.com, and don’t miss out on limited imports when they drop.