There are 5 different species of Datnoids.

-Datnioides microlepis (Indonesian Datnoid)
-Datnioides pulcher (Wide Bar datnoid)
-Datnioides undecimradiatus (Thin Bar Datnoid)
-Datnioides campbelli (New Guinea Datnoid)
-Datnioides quadrifasciatus (Silver Datnoid)

Care - This fish can reach quite a big size. Although maximum sizes vary between species they all range around the 12inch - 24inch mark. These fish are usually best kept in groups but the general rule is either 1 datnoid or 3 or more.

A tank size of 180g IMO is ideal for datnoids to reach their potential size. Tank mates should also be of a larger size as datnoids are predatory fish. Arowanas make great tank mates.

The growth rate of these fish are very slow. It took my datnoid 3 years to reach 12 inches.

Feeding - Prawns, Whitebait, Beefheart,Bloodworms with occasional feeder fish.

Some people have major problems getting their datnoids to take prepared food. A common method to help convert them is the starving method. I would suggest that before you start starving you fatten up the fish first.

Another method is introducing other fish into the tank that will take prepared food. Hopefully the datnoids will then follow the leader. This works really well if the fish added is another datnoid that takes prepared food.

Feeding time is great fun as these guys really can hammer their food. Watch that the datnoid does not swallow anything it isnt supposed to by accident as it can be fatal.

Indo Datnoid-

They are a freshwater fish that are found through out Indonesia, Thailand and other South-east Asian countries. Indo Datnoids usually have 7 verticle black bars across their body. They are usually a yellow/rusty color. They have 3 tail bars that identify them from the other speices.

Wide bar datnoid-

This datnoid is Distinguishable by its regular color pattern consisting of 4 or 5 regular and broad bars on body. Its body is a gold/yellow color.

(Anyone got a pic I can use??)