Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.
Open the appDescription
Datnioides quadrifasciatus, commonly known as the Four-striped tigerfish, is a medium-sized perciform fish belonging to the family Datnioididae. It is characterized by its distinctive vertical banding pattern, typically consisting of four prominent dark bands on a lighter, often silvery-gold to brownish body. This species is known for its predatory nature and can be found in brackish and freshwater environments across Southeast Asia.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- The base body color ranges from silvery-gold to yellowish-brown or olive, often with a metallic sheen. It is marked by four distinct, broad, dark vertical bands that extend from the dorsal surface to the ventral side. The first band passes through the eye, the second originates from the anterior dorsal fin, the third from the posterior dorsal fin, and the fourth is on the caudal peduncle. The fins are typically translucent or slightly dusky.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Four prominent dark vertical bands on the body, Large, protractile mouth, Deep, compressed body, Rough, ctenoid scales, Spiny dorsal fin
- Dorsal fin
- Consists of a spiny anterior portion (XII-XIII spines) and a soft-rayed posterior portion (13-14 soft rays), deeply notched between the two sections.
- Tail fin
- Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Relatively small and rounded.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are thoracic, located directly below the pectoral fins. Anal fin has III spines and 8-9 soft rays.
Identification Tips
Band Count
Count the distinct dark vertical bands on the body. D. quadrifasciatus consistently has four primary bands, excluding any faint markings on the head or caudal fin.
Body Shape
Observe the deep, compressed body shape, typical of Datnioides species.
Mouth
Note the large, protractile mouth, indicative of its predatory feeding strategy.
Habitat
Consider the collection location; D. quadrifasciatus is primarily a brackish water species, though it can be found in freshwater.
Habitat
- Water type
- brackish
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow to moderate depths, often near submerged structures or vegetation.
- Environment
- Primarily found in brackish water estuaries, tidal rivers, and mangrove areas, but can also inhabit freshwater sections of rivers and floodplains. They prefer areas with submerged roots, fallen logs, and dense vegetation for ambush predation and shelter.
- Geographic range
- Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java), and potentially parts of Myanmar and the Philippines. Its distribution is often associated with major river systems and their estuaries.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: intermediate
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 180 gallons (680 liters) for adults
- Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- pH level: 7.0-8.0
- Hardness: 10-20 dGH
- Compatibility: Best kept with similarly sized, robust, and semi-aggressive fish. Avoid small fish as they will be eaten. Can be kept in species-specific tanks or with other large predatory fish like larger cichlids, arowanas, or large catfish. May be territorial with conspecifics, especially in smaller tanks.
- Special requirements: Requires a large tank with ample swimming space and hiding spots (caves, driftwood, robust plants). Good filtration is essential due to their carnivorous diet and waste production. They prefer slightly brackish conditions but can adapt to pure freshwater if acclimated slowly. Stable water parameters are crucial. Live or frozen meaty foods are preferred.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Spawning typically occurs during the rainy season, but specific seasonal behaviors for feeding and migration are not extensively documented for this particular species in the wild, largely due to its cryptic nature and wide distribution.
- Market price: Varies significantly based on size and origin, often high for larger specimens.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Mild, firm white flesh
- Texture: Flaky, firm
- Cooking methods: Frying, Grilling, Steaming, Baking
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
Ambush Predatorbehavior
The Four-striped tigerfish is a classic ambush predator, often lurking motionless among submerged structures or vegetation, waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by.
Color Changing Abilitiesbehavior
Like other Datnioides species, D. quadrifasciatus can subtly change the intensity of its body coloration and band patterns to better camouflage itself with its surroundings or to express mood.
Brackish Water Specialistinteresting
While adaptable to freshwater, this species thrives in brackish water environments, which is a key differentiator from some of its more freshwater-oriented relatives.
Long Lifespaninteresting
In well-maintained aquarium conditions, Four-striped tigerfish can live for 10-15 years or even longer, making them a long-term commitment for aquarists.
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: While not venomous, Datnioides quadrifasciatus possesses sharp dorsal and anal fin spines that can inflict painful punctures. Care should be taken when handling to avoid injury. Their large mouth and strong bite can also be a concern for larger specimens.
Similar Species
Siamese Tigerfish
Datnioides pulcher
D. pulcher typically has 5-7 bands, often with a 'Y' shaped band on the caudal peduncle, and a more golden-yellow base color. It is primarily a freshwater species.
Indonesian Tigerfish
Datnioides microlepis
D. microlepis usually has 5-7 bands, often with a more irregular or broken pattern, and a generally lighter, more yellowish body. It is also primarily a freshwater species.
New Guinea Tigerfish
Datnioides campbelli
D. campbelli has 5-7 bands, often with a more pronounced 'Y' band on the caudal peduncle, and is restricted to New Guinea and surrounding islands. Its body is typically more elongated than D. quadrifasciatus.
Finebar Tigerfish
Datnioides undecimradiatus
D. undecimradiatus has 11-12 narrow, dark vertical bands, significantly more than D. quadrifasciatus. It is found in the Mekong River basin.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Datnioididae
- Genus
- Datnioides
- Species
- quadrifasciatus
Explore Four-striped tigerfish
Identify fish anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.