DATNOID BORNEO 2-3 inch

🐟 Borneo 4-Bar Datnoid (Datnioides quadrifasciatus) — Original Care Guide

The Borneo 4-Bar Datnoid is a striking and powerful predatory fish originating from brackish and freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia, particularly the island of Borneo. Recognized by its bold vertical bands and square, armored profile, this species is an intelligent, solitary hunter best suited for experienced aquarists with large tanks and a passion for large, show-quality fish.

🌍 Natural Habitat

• Native Range: Borneo and surrounding regions in Indonesia and Malaysia

• Environment: Slow-flowing freshwater and brackish rivers, estuaries, and mangrove swamps

• Substrate: Mud, sand, and submerged branches or root structures

• Behavior in the Wild: Ambush predator — lurks among submerged wood and structure, waiting to strike passing prey

🏡 Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons (for a juvenile); 220+ gallons recommended for long-term housing

• Substrate: Fine sand or bare-bottom preferred to ease maintenance and reduce risk of injury

• Aquascaping:

  • Include driftwood, vertical decor, and caves for cover

  • Leave open swimming space — this species needs room to patrol

• Lighting: Moderate to low — enhances coloration and reduces stress

• Filtration: Strong filtration is critical due to high protein waste — dual canister filters or sump systems preferred

• Water Movement: Moderate, with some surface agitation to ensure oxygenation

🌡️ Water Parameters

• Temperature: 77–82°F (25–28°C)

• pH: 6.5–7.5 — stable and slightly acidic to neutral preferred

• Hardness: 5–15 dGH (moderate)

• Salinity: Can adapt to freshwater long term, but benefits from slight salinity (1–2 ppt)

• Water Quality: Must be pristine — sensitive to ammonia spikes and poor filtration

• Water Change: 30–40% weekly with dechlorinated, temperature-matched water

🍴 Diet and Feeding

This species is carnivorous and thrives on a protein-rich diet. Feeding variety is key to coloration, health, and behavior.

• Staple Foods:

  • Frozen shrimp, silversides, and whitebait

  • Live or frozen bloodworms and earthworms

• Occasional:

  • Chopped raw fish, crab meat, or mussels

  • Live feeder fish only if quarantined and gut-loaded (use sparingly to avoid aggression or parasites)

• Training Tip: Juveniles can be trained to accept pellets or sticks with consistency and patience

• Feeding Frequency: Juveniles 1–2x daily; adults 4–5 times per week

🤝 Temperament & Compatibility

• Disposition: Territorial, intelligent, and observant; generally solitary but not outwardly aggressive unless threatened

• Tankmate Considerations:

  • Choose large, robust, and peaceful tankmates (e.g., Arowana, Datnioides microlepis, large bichirs)

  • Avoid small fish (will be eaten) and aggressive tankmates (can cause stress or injury)

  • Do not house with other 4-bar datnoids unless the tank is very large and territories can be established

• Personality: Recognizes feeding time and often the keeper; may follow movements outside the glass

🐣 Breeding

• Captive Breeding: Unsuccessful and unrecorded in the home aquarium

• Reproductive Details:

  • Suspected to be egg scatterers in brackish conditions in the wild

  • Very little is known about their reproductive behavior outside of commercial hatchery efforts

• Conclusion: Focus on care and longevity — not suitable for breeding attempts in typical aquarium settings

⚠️ Special Considerations

• Growth Potential: Can reach 14–16 inches (35–40 cm); long-term care requires a large footprint tank

• Color Stability: Stress, poor water, or inappropriate lighting can cause color fading or bar loss

• Tank Cover Required: Strong jumper — heavy lid or cover glass is essential

• Handling Caution: Spines are sharp and should be avoided during netting or transfers

📋 Quick Summary Table

📝 Final Thoughts

The Borneo 4-Bar Datnoid is a fish of stature and subtle power. With patience, space, and excellent care, it develops rich golden tones, confident behavior, and a commanding presence that few other fish can match. Best reserved for experienced aquarists with the right equipment and long-term commitment, this species becomes a centerpiece not just for your tank — but your entire fishroom.