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Datnioides campbelli

Family: Datnioididae.

Order: Perciformes (perch-like).

Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).

Common name: New Guinea Tiger, Irian Jaya Tiger, NGT

Max. size: 14 inches/36 cm. D campbelli are slow growing and rarely seen above 14 inches/36 cm in the aquarium.

Environment: Brackish, Freshwater.

Distribution: Asia, Indonesia (Irian Jaya) west side of the island of New Guinea and Papua New Guinea the east side of the island.

Temperament: Can be aggressive toward others Datnioides and more so with other D campbelli, this species is considered more territorial than the other Datnioid species, they will usually be OK with other large fish, although this is not always the case.

Species info: This Datnioid is distinguishable by its colour and stripe pattern as the striping does not have the sharper lines like the other Datnioid species. The bars on this species are characterized by their "fuzzy" or blotched edges and generally continue unbroken to the ventral surface. This species typically has 7 bars including a curved bar through the eye, four body bars and two tail stripes or bars.  Branched anal fin rays usually 10; branched dorsal rays 14-15. D campbelli is becoming more available in the hobby although this was not the case a few years ago. (Ref. Dixon aka DiXoN by Jesse aka itchyophile)

Keeping Datnioides campbelli in the aquarium.

Feeding info: Feeding D campbelli when small and newly introduced to the aquarium can be a challenge and live foods may only be taken. Feeding habits can be changed, and with perseverance foods like prawn, whitebait (silversides), beef heart, earthworms and even pellets can be accepted and a varied diet is always best. 

Water info: A temperature range of 24-28°C (75-82°F) and a pH between 6.5-7.5 will suffice but preferably 7.0 or above. A large amount of filtration and decent water change schedule is a must with these fish as they prefer good water quality.

Tank size: A large tank with plenty open swimming space is required for D campbelli, although as this fish grows slowly a smaller tank can be used as a grow out. As these fish grow large a 6x2x2 tank is recommended but bigger is always better.

Pictures supplied for NGT by Zoo York 207