Congratulations on the new addition! Juvenile datnoids are such fascinating and elegant fish. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Tank Setup:
- Even as juveniles, datnoids appreciate a spacious, well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding spots—think driftwood, PVC pipes, and rock caves. These provide both security and a sense of territory.
- They can be shy when new, so subdued lighting and dim decorations help them feel more at home.
Water Parameters:
- Keep it stable: temperature around 78–80 °F (25–27 °C), pH between 7.0–8.0, and moderate hardness.
- Strong filtration is vital—they’re messy eaters and sensitive to water changes.
Feeding:
- Juveniles usually do well transitioning onto frozen or pellet foods, but live feeder fish, prawns, shrimp, and small fish are excellent for getting them started.
- Feed them small portions once a day, and offer a mix of food types to ensure balance.
Behavior & Growth:
- They can be shy at first—don’t be alarmed if they hide for the first few days.
- As they grow, they’ll show more curiosity and boldness. Over time, they may even learn to take food from your hand.
🗣 Tank Mates:
- Best housed with robust, similarly sized fish—avoid tiny species that could be seen as snacks. Species like certain cichlids, arowanas, or silver dollars tend to work well.
- If kept alone, your datnoid will thrive just fine without tank mates.
Final Thoughts:
Enjoy watching your datnoid develop its personality—those distinctive stripes and elegant swimming make them real standouts. Keep water quality high, offer varied food, and give it time to settle in. It’ll reward you with grace and presence in your tank!
