Fin's Fish Guide
The Barred tigerfish (Datnioides polota) is a brackish-water fish of the family Datnioididae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The silver tigerfish is a tigerperch (Datnioididae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with several broad, dark crossbars, from which it gets its tiger name. It lives in brackish water at the mouths of large rivers and in coastal lagoons, and also enters fresh water. As a predator it takes small fishes, shrimps and insects. It is a valued food and aquarium fish. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barred tigerfish?
The Barred tigerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Broad dark vertical bars (tiger pattern); predator of brackish river mouths, valued aquarium fish.
Where does the Barred tigerfish live?
The Barred tigerfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Indo-West Pacific; river mouths and coastal lagoons.
How big does the Barred tigerfish get?
The Barred tigerfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Barred tigerfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Barred tigerfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Barred tigerfish edible?
Yes, the Barred tigerfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Datnioides
More from the family Datnioididae
Want the complete picture on the Barred tigerfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barred tigerfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.