NTT Datnoid Care Guide – How to Keep the Rare New Guinea Tiger Fish Thriving in Your Aquarium

Introduction: The Golden-Banded Tiger of the Aquarium World

The NTT Datnoid (Datnioides pulcher or Datnioides undecimradiatus, often sold under trade names) — also called the New Guinea Tiger or Northern Thai Tiger — is a rare and prized species in the exotic freshwater fish community.

With its golden body marked by bold vertical black bars, the NTT Datnoid offers a unique mix of beauty, mystery, and intelligence. While slightly more delicate than its more common ST (Siamese Tiger) or IT (Indo Tiger) cousins, it rewards careful aquarists with coloration that glows under strong aquarium lighting and behavior that’s both fascinating and bold.

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🔍 Species Overview

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🏠 Ideal Tank Setup

📏 Tank Size

• Minimum: 125 gallons for one

• Ideal: 180–300+ gallons for a datnoid with tankmates

NTTs are active, territorial predators that need space to swim, hunt, and establish territory — especially in mixed monster tanks.

🪨 Aquascaping Tips

• Sand substrate preferred

• Use driftwood, vertical rock structures, and shaded areas

• Create hiding zones for stress reduction

• Moderate current and strong surface agitation

They are ambush predators, so provide cover and open lanes for stalking behavior.

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💧 Water Parameters

Datnoids are sensitive to water quality, so use powerful canister or sump filtration and maintain weekly water changes of 30–50%.

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🍽️ Feeding & Diet

NTT Datnoids are carnivores that can be shy eaters at first. Wild-caught individuals may require live food to start, but captive specimens from Rob’s Aquatics are often trained to eat frozen and prepared foods.

✅ Best Foods:

• Frozen shrimp

• Silversides and tilapia chunks

• Live ghost shrimp or feeder fish (quarantined only)

• Carnivore sticks (e.g., Hikari Massivore)

• Insects or earthworms (as treats)

Feed once daily, observing closely to ensure all food is consumed.

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🧠 Behavior & Personality

• Often shy when introduced to new environments

• Will become bolder with time and consistency

• Displays stalking, hovering, and ambushing behaviors

• Shows “eye-tracking” intelligence — watches prey and owner movements

They may lose coloration when stressed or moved — this is normal and usually resolves in a stable setup.

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👫 Tank Mate Compatibility

NTTs can be territorial but are generally less aggressive than large cichlids or arowana. Best suited for peaceful-to-moderate monster setups.

✅ Compatible Tankmates:

• Other Datnoids (in large tanks only)

• Polypterus (Bichirs)

• Silver Dollars

• Large Plecos

• Peacock Bass

• Knife Fish

• Stingrays

• Non-aggressive catfish (e.g., Piraiba, Giraffe Cat)

❌ Avoid:

• Aggressive cichlids (e.g., Dovii, Midas)

• Fin-nippers

• Small community fish (they will be eaten)

• Other shy predators that compete for hiding space

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🧬 Growth & Coloration

• Grows steadily to 10–12 inches over 2–3 years

• Juveniles are fast growers with proper feeding

• Color darkens or lightens based on stress, diet, and environment

• Under good lighting, NTTs display golden body tones and intense black bars

To maintain coloration, feed a varied diet and keep the tank clean and low-stress.

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🧬 Breeding Notes

NTT Datnoids have not been successfully bred in captivity outside of large-scale commercial farms in Southeast Asia.

• No known breeding behavior in home aquariums

• Sexing is extremely difficult

• Nearly all NTTs are wild-caught or farm-raised juveniles

For the time being, the species is maintained in the hobby through specialized imports — such as those offered at Rob’s Aquatics.

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🌟 Unique Highlights

• One of the rarest Datnoids commonly available in the hobby

• Stunning gold and black vertical banding

• Intelligent, interactive behavior

• Rewarding for intermediate-to-expert keepers

• Excellent alternative to IT or ST tigers

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💲 Why Buy NTT Datnoids from RobsAquatics.com?

• Trained to eat frozen foods — no live feeders needed

• Quarantined and parasite-free

• Carefully packed for safe, warm arrival

• Sourced from trusted exporters

• Live Arrival Guarantee and expert post-purchase support

Rob’s Aquatics specializes in rare, exotic predators — your NTT will arrive healthy, bold, and ready to thrive.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The NTT Datnoid is a refined choice for the aquarist who wants something rare, visually striking, and full of subtle personality. While more delicate than other tigers, the reward for proper care is a glowing, golden fish that’s unlike anything else in your tank.

Perfect for:

• Monster fish keepers

• Southeast Asian biotope enthusiasts

• Predator tanks with finesse

• Aquarists who want behavior and beauty

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👉 Order your NTT Datnoid now at RobsAquatics.com and own one of the most rare and stunning tiger fish in the aquarium hobby.