Found across Peninsular Malaysia and the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Borneo, and potentially parts of East Java, the Indo Datnoid or Indo Tigerfish (IT) typically inhabit warm, slow-moving stretches of rivers or lakes close to overhanging vegetation in the wild. They are ambush predators, remaining motionless in the water until smaller fish or invertebrates swim by, which they then consume using quick reflexes and a large, protrusible jaw. To thrive in an aquarium, they require well-oxygenated water and regular water changes due to their sensitivity to water quality. Care should be taken when selecting tankmates, as they can eat surprisingly large fish, and more aggressive or highly active fish may cause them stress, potentially leading to the fading of their distinctive bar pattern.
