10 Datnoid Tank Mates – List of Compatible Species

Finding suitable tank mates for a community aquarium is all about choosing compatible fish species. “But what type of fish are compatible with my Datnoids?”, you might be wondering.

To answer that question, we have to take a closer look at this species. The main things you should consider include:

• Size: The general rule here is to pick fish that are as close in size as possible. Datnoids grow up to 14 inches long. You won’t want to keep them near tiny fish like Guppies.

Much smaller fish will get hurt or simply eaten by larger tank mates. Choose tank mates that are 6-7 inches and up.

• Temperament: Datnoids are a semi-aggressive species, especially around smaller fish they mistake for prey. But around larger fish, Datnoids are calm and peaceful.

You should look for tank mates with a similar temperament. Other semi-aggressive fish should be your first choice. You can also choose peaceful tank mates, as long as they’re large enough and not easily agitated.

Avoid aggressive and territorial fish. Datnoids become timid and tend to hide a lot when around such species. This can lead to a lot of stress and is just not healthy for your fish.

• Water parameters: The water parameters play a huge role in the health and longevity of fish. It goes without saying, but the species you choose must be compatible from this point of view. Otherwise, some of the community fish will get sick.

The ideal values for Datnoids are 75-80°F, 7.0-7.5 pH, and 2-15 dGH. The tank mates you add to the aquarium should have the same or very similar needs.

• Tank size requirements: Now, this has more to do with your set-up than with the fish themselves. Depending on how much spare space you have, some species might make better tank mates than others.

Datnoids alone need at least 150 gallons worth of swimming space. Maybe you have a huge 500-gallon aquarium most of us can only dream about.

In that case, this point doesn’t matter as much. But if you’re like most of us, you might want to consider your options carefully.

To summarize, the ideal tank mates for Datnoids should be 6 inches long or larger. They should be peaceful or semi-aggressive at most. They must thrive in warm, neutral, and very soft to hard water.

Finally, they should ideally have low to moderate space requirements.

Keeping all these factors in mind, I’ve put together a list of the best tank mates to choose from.

Here are 10 of the most compatible species for your community tank:

1. Rubber Lip Plecos

The Rubber Lip Pleco is a gentle, medium-sized fish. This bottom-dwelling species is suitable for virtually all community tanks. Their natural earthy tones and streamlined body shape add a lot of interest to the aquarium too.

Plus, this is a scavenging fish with a big appetite. It will help keep the aquarium clean by eating leftover foods and any growing algae.

• Size: 7 inches

Rubber Lip Plecos are the perfect size for a Datnoid tank mate. They’re large enough to avoid getting eaten. But they’re not so large that you’ll need lots of space to accommodate them. It’s a win-win!

• Temperament: Peaceful

Plecos in general are very calm and non-aggressive. This species is no different. This fish spends most of its time lying around or searching for food. It’s usually passive even with friendly and sociable species.

You won’t have to worry about this Pleco getting itself into trouble. It won’t provoke or harass any of its tank mates. This makes the Rubber Lip Pleco the perfect tank mate for a timid, easily-agitated Datnoid.

• Water parameters: 72-80°F, 6.5-8.0 pH, 8-12 dGH

As you can see, Plecos have a broad range of tolerable values. It’s going to be easy to accommodate both species.

• Tank size requirements: 30 gallons

With just 30 gallons needed per fish, this Pleco is a far cry from the space-hungry Datnoid. This fish can also be kept alone. It’s a decent option if you want to save some space.

2. Clown Loaches

No other species lights up the atmosphere like the Clown Loach. This colorful and energetic fish will charm you with both its looks and playful nature.

As for its compatibility, the Clown Loach gets along well with most species. Given its size, hardiness, and temperament, this fish makes a great addition to most community tanks.

• Size: 12 inches

The Clown Loach is very similar in size to your average Datnoid. However, it’s not large enough to become intimidating, which is good. Either way, there’s zero chance this fish will end up as a snack.

• Temperament: Peaceful

Clown Loaches are sociable, non-aggressive, and full of energy. This playful fish needs to live in groups of 5 or more Loaches.

That’s when their personality is easiest to observe. If kept alone or in smaller groups, the Clown Loach becomes shy and agitated. But when in good spirits, the Clown Loach is bouncing off the walls.

You’ll see them spending most of their time playing with other Loaches. Their usual behavior includes digging, chasing, and playing dead.

Their playful behavior usually doesn’t include other species. So, this fish won’t often interact with your Datnoids.

• Water parameters: 77-86°F, 7.0-7.8 pH, 5-12 dGH

Clown Loaches and Datnoids require very similar values. You won’t have any issue finding a comfortable middle ground between the two.

• Tank size requirements: 30 gallons

On the one hand, you’ll need just 30 gallons for one Loach. But on the other hand, you should keep Loaches in groups of at least five.

That bumps up the space requirements to 150 gallons. That being said, you might still be successful keeping just a trio or a pair of Loaches.

3. Bala Sharks

Freshwater sharks don’t have the best reputation. But Bala Sharks are the exception to the rule. This fish has a mild temper, which makes it a good potential tank mate. Besides, Bala Sharks look pretty cool.

Their silvery bodies and dark-lined, shark-like fins would be hard to miss even in a crowded aquarium!

• Size: 14 inches

The Bala Shark is quite large. It can grow more than 1 foot long! But depending on its diet and environment, your Balas might be a little smaller. Either way, this freshwater shark is large enough to be safe around Datnoids.

• Temperament: Peaceful

Balas are the antithesis of the shark stereotype. This fish is non-aggressive and extremely peaceful. Maybe sometimes to its detriment. When startled or intimidated, the Bala Shark prefers to flee and hide.

Despite its size, this fish is shy and easily agitated. That’s one more thing that Balas and Datnoids have in common. Needless to say, the two species won’t be bothering each other.

• Water parameters: 72–82°F, 6.0–8.0 pH, 5–12 dGH

Both Balas and Datnoids are tropical species. It’s no surprise that they have very similar water parameters.

• Tank size requirements: 45 gallons per fish, 120 gallons for one school

This is a shoaling species. You can technically keep one fish or a pair to save some space. But Bala Sharks are happiest in groups of five or more. This species is most suitable if you have a large aquarium.

4. Tinfoil Barbs

Tinfoil Barbs are considerably larger than your average Barb. Aside from the difference in size, they are just as hardy, adaptable, and easy to care for. But the best part about them is their appearance.

This species has a light silvery body and shimmering scales. Its fins are bright orange and black.

If you want a simple yet elegant-looking fish for your community tank, you’ll want to give the Tinfoil Barb a chance.

• Size: 14 inches

Most Barb species grow up to 2-5 inches on average. The Tinfoil Barbs can grow more than 1 foot long! They’re potentially as large as Datnoids.

• Temperament: Peaceful

Like most Barbs, this species is peaceful and non-aggressive. Tinfoil Barbs are mostly reserved around other fish. That’s not to say they’re shy though. When shoaling, Tinfoil Barbs like swimming around in the open, showing off their beautiful colors.

Overall, the Tinfoil Barb is calm and inoffensive. They bother nobody, and they’re also unbothered by their tank mates. That’s what makes them perfect community fish. They can be housed with similar-sized peaceful fish, even very shy ones like Datnoids.

• Water parameters: 73–77°F, 6.0–7.5 pH, 5-10 dGH

Tinfoil Barbs have narrower ranges of water parameters. As you can see, their ideal values are compatible with the lower-end values of Datnoids. You can easily keep both fish in the same aquarium.

• Tank size requirements: 70 gallons for one fish, 175 gallons for one school

You’re probably not surprised. Given its large size and high activity levels, the Tinfoil Barb should have plenty of swimming space. If you want to keep five Barbs, you’ll need an extra 175 gallons. That is on top of the space you’ll need for your Datnoid fish.

5. Eclipse Catfish

This species is less talked about than other more popular Catfish. But it’s worth knowing more about it. This fish is larger than other commonly sold Catfish, which makes it a good candidate as a Datnoid tank mate.

Other than that, it has a lot of similarities to other Catfish species. It’s a hardy, sweet-natured, and lovely-looking fish. It also has a rich golden-brown body and short whiskers for extra cuteness.

• Size: 12-18 inches

At its smallest, the Eclipse Catfish is roughly one-foot long. This is more than enough for a Datnoid tank mate. If their nutrition and all living conditions are optimal, they can even reach 18 inches in length!

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Eclipse Catfish are big eaters and they’re naturally predatorial. They represent a danger for smaller fish. This species won’t hesitate to attack and eat any fish significantly smaller than them. Luckily, that won’t be the case for Datnoids.

Around larger tank mates, the Eclipse Catfish is calm and disinterested. I should also mention that Eclipse Catfish are mostly nocturnal.

They don’t sleep per se, but they spend most of the day hiding. They only come out and become more active at night.

• Water parameters: 74-77°F, 6.0-7.5 pH, 5-25 dGH

This fish doesn’t tolerate a broad range of temperatures or pH. But it can thrive in soft to very hard water. Overall, there’s enough overlap between the two species’ ideal water values.

• Tank size requirements: 75 gallons

One adult Eclipse Catfish will need at least 75 gallons worth of aquarium space. But this is a species you can keep alone. No need to adopt a pair or a group.

6. Zebra Angelfish

Angelfish in general are suitable tank mates for Datnoids. Most species are at least 6 inches long and semi-aggressive at most.

But the Zebra Angelfish in particular is highly compatible in most community tanks.

This is a great fish to keep thanks to its ease of care, low space requirements, and laid-back personality. Plus, the light silver body and long vertical stripes look mesmerizing, especially when you see the fish in motion.

• Size: 6 inches

This is the standard size for most Angelfish. It’s the absolute minimum you want to keep the fish safe next to Datnoid tank mates.

Zebra Angelfish also have tall bodies and very long fins. This creates the illusion that they’re a lot larger than they truly are. It works to intimidate larger tank mates.

• Temperament: Peaceful

Zebra Angelfish can be shy around larger tank mates. They usually end up being bullied. They don’t have the same feisty personality as other Angelfish. Still, they should be alright next to larger but equally shy tank mates like Datnoids.

Although mild-tempered, Zebra Angelfish are full of energy. When they feel confident and comfortable, they become very active swimmers. They’re also quick and agile. Don’t be surprised if you see them darting around in the aquarium,

• Water parameters: 75–82°F, 6.8–7.0 pH, 3-8 dGH

Angelfish require soft to very soft water. This makes them difficult to house in community tanks. Luckily, Datnoids can tolerate lower-end levels of water hardness.

• Tank size requirements: 30 gallons for a pair

Another great thing about Angelfish is the low space requirements. You can keep one or two Angelfish in at least 30 gallons of tank space. You’ll need 15-20 gallons for each additional fish. But this fish doesn’t even need to be kept in a group.

7. Opaline Gouramis

Opaline Gouramis have all the qualities we love in other Gourami fish. They’re low-maintenance, mild-tempered, not very space-demanding, and they’re compatible with most species.

On top of all that, Opaline Gouramis are larger sized and incredibly beautiful. The pale bodies and deep-blue marble-like patterns remind me of ornamental porcelain pieces.

• Size: Up to 6 inches

Opaline Gouramis can grow large enough to be housed with larger fish. A fully-developed adult should be safe around Datnoid tank mates.

Nothing to worry about here! Just make sure to only introduce fully-grown adults into the community tank.

• Temperament: Peaceful

You can’t go wrong with Opaline Gouramis. This species is perfect for most community tanks. This fish is tame and non-aggressive.

It doesn’t go out of its way to bother other tank mates. Actually, Opaline Gouramis might be vulnerable against aggressive tank mates.

When threatened, this Gourami species becomes shy and passive. They prefer hiding rather than fighting back. Point is, you won’t have to worry about this fish trying to bully your Datnoids.

• Water parameters: 73-82°F, 6.0-8.8 pH, 5-35 dGH

Opaline Gouramis have a very broad range of water parameters. This makes them the perfect community fish. They can adapt to virtually any freshwater tank settings.

• Tank size requirements: 35 gallons

Another great thing about this species— low space requirements. If your Datnoid fish take too much space already, you might still be able to squeeze in a few Gouramis to bring some color to the aquarium.

8. Silver Dollar Fish

The Silver Dollar Fish gets along well with other large, peaceful species. This fish isn’t super colorful, but it still adds a lot of interest to the aquarium. It has a tall and flattened silver body and a very small head.

From the side, the fish appears to be almost completely rounded. That’s a unique look and contrasts nicely with the golden-bodied, pointed-face Datnoid fish.

While the two fish look like total opposites, they still have enough in common to make good tank mates.

• Size: 6 inches

The Silver Dollar Fish is medium-sized. When fully developed, it’s large enough to be housed with larger fish like Datnoids. As a bonus, its tall and flattened body makes the Silver Dollar almost impossible to eat for most fish species.

• Temperament: Peaceful

This species is usually mellow and calm. The Silver Dollar Fish doesn’t show much interest in other fish in the tank.

As a shoaling species, Silver Dollars spend most of the time with other members of their species. They feel happiest when kept in groups of five or more.

When alone, the Silver Dollar Fish becomes timid and easily agitated. This leaves them vulnerable to bullies. Overall, the Silver Dollar is highly unlikely to provoke Datnoids in the tank.

This means that the two species won’t have any reason to fight.

• Water parameters: 75-82°F, 5.5-7.5 pH, 4-18 dGH

Silver Dollar Fish tolerate the same ranges as Datnoids. They can even live in 5.5 pH water, which is lower than most species’ ideal.

• Tank size requirements: 75 gallons for one school

This is a shoaling species, so you’ll ideally want to keep at least five of them. For that, you’re going to need a 75-gallon aquarium. That’s 15 gallons for each fish.

9. Blood Parrot Cichlids

Blood Parrot Cichlids are very popular due to their colorful appearance and mellow personalities. Unlike most Cichlids, this species is well-behaved and suitable for most community tanks.

However, you should know that this is a hybrid breed.

Because of this, the Blood Parrot Cichlid is a bit more sensitive and difficult to care for. Most fish are also sterile due to cross-breeding. You probably won’t be able to breed these fish at home.

That being said, BP Cichlids have an impressive life expectancy of up to 15 years.

• Size: 8 inches

The BP Cichlid grows up to 7-8 inches in length. This is one of the largest Cichlid species out there. These fish also have tall and stout bodies. Their size means they’ll fit right in around larger tank mates.

• Temperament: Peaceful

For the most part, the BP Cichlid is a calm and mellow tank mate. It spends most of its time swimming around slowly, searching the substrate for food, or hiding among plants, caves, and other decorations.

This fish doesn’t even compete for food with other species. It usually prefers scavenging at the bottom of the tank.

Under certain conditions, the BP can become agitated and semi-aggressive. This includes living in a crowded tank or dealing with bullies in the aquarium.

But Datnoids and BPs have no reason to turn on each other. As long as there’s enough space for both, these fish won’t pay attention to one another.

• Water parameters: 76–80°F, 6.5–7.4 pH, 3.3–6.6 dGH

The BP Cichlid has narrow ranges of tolerable values. But it’s nothing to worry about! You can still find a common ground between the two species.

• Tank size requirements: 30 gallons

The BP Cichlid isn’t a shoaling species. You can easily keep just one fish as long as you have 30 gallons to spare. If you want to add more, you’ll need 10 extra gallons for each additional Cichlid.

10. Elephant Nose Fish

It takes just one look at this fish to understand its name. The Elephant Nose Fish has an abnormally long and downturned nose.

They use this long and pointy nose to dig through the substrate in search of food. Seeing them in action is always amusing.

Unlike real elephants, the Elephant Nose doesn’t have the nicest personality. This intimidates many aquarists from adopting this species.

However, this fish is actually a pretty good match for a Datnoid tank mate. You’ll understand why just by looking at this short species profile.

• Size: 7-9 inches

There’s a bit of variation when it comes to body size. For example, females are usually larger than males. But even the smallest Elephant Nose adult is still the perfect size for a Datnoid tank mate.

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

This species is not the nicest tank mate around small shy fish and other Elephant Noses. It’s a notorious bully. It won’t hesitate to establish dominance by intimidating and picking on the smaller guys.

Not cool! However, they act like the polar opposite when around large, peaceful tank mates.

If housed with fish like Datnoids, the Elephant Nose will be pretty chill. As long as their tank mates are large enough and able to defend themselves, this fish stays passive and non-aggressive.

That’s why I believe this is a great combo for a community tank.

• Water parameters: 73–82°F, 6.5–7.4 pH, 5–15 dGH

This fish wouldn’t be on the list if it didn’t have similar water parameters to the Datnoid fish. So, there’s no surprise here. Both species can tolerate some of the same water values.

• Tank size requirements: 50 gallons

The Elephant Nose is a large and active species. It needs lots of swimming room. At least 50 gallons is recommended. The aquarium should also be wider than it is tall.

Conclusion

Datnoids are huge. Your average fish can be over one-foot long!

This makes finding tank mates a bit difficult. You need to look for fish that are large enough to avoid getting eaten accidentally.

But if you don’t have a lot of room, the fish should be small enough to fit in the community tank. Apart from size, the tank mates you choose must also have matching personalities and water parameter needs.

Luckily, there are still lots of species to choose from. All of the fish I’ve included in today’s article are peaceful or semi-aggressive at most.

They can also tolerate warm water, neutral pH levels, and soft or hard water.

Whether you choose the Plecos, Loaches, Angelfish, or even Cichlids, these species should fit right in next to your Datnoid fish.

Let me know which ones you found most suitable for your community tank!