Sumatra 4 Bar Datnoid (2”)

Scientific Name: Datnioides microlepis 

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Size: Up to 18 inches in captivity, potentially slightly larger with proper care

• Lifespan: 10–15 years with excellent care.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care:

• Tank Size: Minimum 180 gallons (680 L)

•  Juveniles can be housed in 40-125 gallon tank for better observation.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

  • pH: 6.5–7.5
    

• Water Changes: 30–50% weekly, depending on stocking density and filtration.

• Filtration & Flow: Requires powerful filtration and stable water quality—large canister or sump filtration is ideal. Moderate water movement mimicking riverine conditions is recommended.

• Care Notes: Sensitive to poor water quality; prone to stress and skin blemishes if ammonia or nitrites rise. Juveniles can be skittish and need visual cover such as driftwood and tall plants (real or artificial).

Tankmates:

• Arowana, Oscars, Catfish, Stingrays, Most Large Cichlids (with appropriate sizing)
• Avoid smaller fish they will be eaten!

Diet:

• Carnivorous predator.

• Juveniles readily accept frozen shrimp, bloodworms, and tilapia

• Feed 1–2 times daily for juveniles; for adults, 4–5 smaller feedings per week. 

• Hikari food sticks and sinking carnivore/massivore can be offered to get them off frozen foods. It can take lots of time they're picky eaters

Overview:
The Sumatra 4 Bar Datnoid is one of the most striking and prized freshwater predators, named for its bold, vertical bars—usually four thick dark bands against a golden body. Highly intelligent and responsive to their owner, these fish are slow to mature but become stunning centerpiece specimens in large aquaria. They require impeccable water quality, space to swim, and a varied protein-rich diet.

Natural Environment:
Native to slow- to moderately-flowing rivers and floodplains in Sumatra, Indonesia, and surrounding regions. They inhabit areas with submerged roots, branches, and murky water where they ambush prey. The 4 Bar Datnoid is typically found in brackish-to-freshwater conditions, especially in estuarine river mouths and connected floodplain lakes.

Breeding:

• Breeding in home aquariums is virtually unheard of due to their large size, territorial needs, and migratory breeding behavior in the wild.

• In nature, spawning likely occurs seasonally with environmental triggers such as flooding, increased current, and changes in salinity.

• All commercially available specimens are wild-caught or farmed in specialized facilities in Southeast Asia, often in large ponds or netted enclosures.