Datnioides Campbelli

Datasheet

General Description

In aquarium literature, the Datnioides Campbelli, commonly known as the New Guinea Tiger Perch, is sometimes referred to as the 'Irian tiger fish', 'Papua tiger fish', or 'New Guinea datnoid'. This species is recognized by its bright golden yellow base body color, 4-6 wide dark bars with diffuse margins, and a distinctly concave predorsal profile. It is a member of the Datnioididae family within the Perciformes order. Datnioides Campbelli is native to the southern part of New Guinea, primarily found in the lower Fly River basin in Papua New Guinea.

Aquarium Setup

For a Datnioides Campbelli, a tank size of a minimum of 750 litres is recommended. Juveniles and subadults thrive in well-decorated tanks with driftwood branches or mangrove roots. Larger individuals are less particular but appreciate some surface cover like floating vegetation or overhanging branches. They can tolerate medium-to-hard freshwater or brackish water conditions. Given their waste production, using large external filters is crucial, preferably with built-in heaters or added heater guards, as adults have been known to damage submerged equipment. Sump systems are also efficient for this species.

Behaviour

During their juveniles years, Datnioides Campbelli may group together, but as they mature, they become less gregarious, displaying aggression towards conspecifics and similarly-shaped fishes. Therefore, they are best kept either alone or in groups of five or more individuals, as they might be intimidated by territorial or competitive species if not provided with sufficient space in the aquarium.

Feeding and Diet

As efficient predators, Datnioides Campbelli feed mainly on smaller fishes and crustaceans. Juveniles can be fed chironomid larvae, small earthworms, or chopped prawn, while adults accept fish flesh strips, whole prawns, mussels, live river shrimp, and larger earthworms. It is advisable to feed older individuals 2-3 times a week to prevent excess fat deposition and organ degeneration. Avoid feeding them mammalian or avian meat and 'feeder' fish, as these items could harm their health.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

There is no reported information on the reproduction or sexual dimorphism of Datnioides Campbelli in the available literature.

Habitat and Distribution

The Datnioides Campbelli species have been observed in euryhaline environments, from brackish tidal creeks to large tributaries and swamps in the Lower Fly River basin. They have been documented up to 900 km from the sea in the middle and upper regions of the basin. Their distribution extends from the Lorentz River in Papua province, Indonesia, to the Kikori River in Gulf province, Papua New Guinea.

Etymology: The genus name Datnioides is derived from 'Datnia' and the Ancient Greek word 'εἶδος (eîdos)', meaning 'form, likeness'. The specific epithet 'Campbelli' honors Flight-Lieutenant Stuart Campbell, who collected the type series.