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Dear customers,
We have some exciting news to share, along with an important update about what the next several months may look like for our business.
Over the coming months, we will be gradually reducing our in-stock fish inventory as we prepare to move Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co. to a new location. We are not closing, and we will still be taking orders, but our available in-stock livestock will become more limited during this transition. For the time being, we will be relying more heavily on Special Order livestock until we are fully moved and set up in the new facility.
Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co. began in 2021 as a small garage startup. It was a side-hustle for us that we did mostly for fun and for the love of the hobby. Thanks to the overwhelming support of our customers, it quickly grew far beyond what that original space could handle, and far beyond what we ever imagined was possible. We recently purchased a 1-acre property about one hour North of Houston Texas where we will be building a purpose-built fish shop, and once completed, the new facility will give us more than 10 times the space we currently have.
This is a huge step for us and for the future of the business. Our new location will eventually be open to the public, which will be a major change from our current online-only setup. With the additional space, we plan to greatly expand our freshwater livestock selection, begin offering saltwater livestock, and add a greenhouse wing dedicated to tropical plants and koi ponds.
While we are extremely excited about what is ahead, we also want to be honest about the reality of getting there.
Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co. is still run entirely by just two people: myself, Charles, and my girlfriend, Katie. We both currently work full-time jobs outside of the fish business, and we will be building the new facility ourselves during whatever spare time we have available. We are very fortunate to be in a position where we can build and expand, but we are not in a position to hire a crew or staff to make the process happen quickly.
Because of this, customers may notice slower response times to messages and inquiries. We also do not have a guaranteed timeline for completion. Our goal is to complete phase one and be moved into the new shop by the end of the year, but because this is being done by us, by hand, in our limited free time, that timeline may shift. After the initial move, phases two and three will continue as we work toward completing the full project.
We know that this transition may make things less convenient for a while. Inventory may be more limited, Special Orders may play a larger role, and communication may not be as fast as we would like it to be. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this process.
Most importantly, we want to say thank you. Your support is the reason Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co. has reached this point. What started as a small garage business has grown into something much bigger than we ever imagined, and although this next step will be challenging, we believe it will allow us to build something far better for our customers in the long run.
Thank you for your continued trust, support, and patience while we work to take Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co. to the next level.
Sincerely,
Charles & Katie
Lone Star Rare Exotic Fish Co.
We will be gradually reducing our in-stock livestock over the next several months as we prepare to move into a larger new facility. We are not closing, but we will be relying more heavily on Special Orders during the transition. Click the link below for more details.
More infoCommon Name: Sumatra Datnoid
Scientific Name: Datnioides microlepis
Other Names: Indonesian Tiger Fish, Siamese Tiger Fish, Four-Bar Datnoid
The Sumatra Datnoid is a captivating freshwater fish known for its striking appearance and bold personality. This species features a silver or gold body adorned with four distinct vertical black bars, making it one of the more visually appealing datnoids. The robust body, large eyes, and slightly upturned mouth add to its predatory allure. Sumatra Datnoids are highly prized in the aquarium trade for their unique pattern and active behavior.
Habitat and Distribution: The Sumatra Datnoid is native to Southeast Asia, particularly found in the rivers, estuaries, and floodplains of Sumatra, Indonesia, and parts of Thailand. These fish inhabit slow-moving or still waters with abundant vegetation and submerged structures, providing ample cover and hunting grounds. The natural habitat is typically warm and slightly brackish to fresh water, with soft to moderately hard water conditions.
Size and Lifespan: In the wild, Sumatra Datnoids can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) in length. In captivity, they typically reach about 12-14 inches (30-35 cm). Their lifespan can range from 10 to 15 years, depending on the care and conditions provided in the aquarium. Proper diet, water quality, and a spacious environment are crucial for their longevity.
Diet and Behavior: Sumatra Datnoids are carnivorous and have a diet that includes small fish, crustaceans, and insects in the wild. In an aquarium, they should be fed a varied diet of high-quality carnivorous pellets, live or frozen foods such as shrimp, fish, and insects. These fish are active predators and can display aggressive behavior, especially during feeding times. They are known for their intelligence and can recognize their owners, often becoming more interactive over time.
Breeding and Reproduction: Breeding Sumatra Datnoids in captivity is rare and challenging due to their specific environmental needs and behaviors. They are egg scatterers, and successful breeding typically requires a large, well-maintained tank with optimal water conditions, including slight increases in temperature and water changes to simulate seasonal variations. Detailed documentation of their breeding behavior in captivity is limited, making it a rare occurrence outside of their natural habitat.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements: To keep Sumatra Datnoids, a large aquarium of at least 150 gallons is recommended to provide ample swimming space and accommodate their size. The tank should include plenty of hiding spots created with rocks, driftwood, and robust plants to mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress. A sandy or fine gravel substrate is ideal, along with moderate water flow to simulate river conditions. Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality. Given their predatory nature, it is important to ensure a secure lid to prevent escapes.
Ideal Tank Mates: Sumatra Datnoids can be kept with other large, robust fish that share similar water parameter requirements. Suitable tank mates include larger cichlids, large catfish, and other similarly sized predatory fish. It is important to avoid housing them with small fish, as they may be seen as prey. Ensure that tank mates are not overly aggressive to prevent stress and injuries.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced. While they are hardy and adaptable, their specific dietary needs, predatory behavior, and large size require attentive care and a well-maintained aquarium.
Water Parameters:
Additional Information:
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