Tankmates: Only with robust fish too large to swallow (similar-sized monster fish).
Feeding: Readily weaned onto large carnivore pellets. Avoid feeder goldfish and mammal meat.
1–0 of 0
Most Malaysians know barramundi as ikan siakap, a favourite steamed or fried at the restaurant. In the aquarium hobby, it's a different story: a silver, fast-growing predator with a big mouth, bright eyes and a surprisingly tame nature once it learns who feeds it. Juveniles are kept as monster fish by keepers who have serious tank space.
This page is about barramundi for aquariums and ponds, not for the kitchen. FishyHub lists aquarium barramundi from Malaysian sellers, with prices in RM and each seller's delivery or self-collect options.
| Care point | Guide |
|---|---|
| Temperature | About 26–30°C. Malaysian room temperature (26–31°C) suits it well. |
| Minimum tank | Juveniles: 4 kaki (about 230–270 L). Adults: 6 kaki (180 cm, about 550–650 L) or a pond. |
| Adult size | Often 50 cm or more in captivity. |
| Temperament | Predatory; peaceful towards fish too big to swallow. |
| Diet | Prawns, fish fillet, carnivore pellets. |
| Beginner-friendly? | Hardy, but not for most homes because of adult size. |
Barramundi are active midwater swimmers that need length to turn and cruise. Give them open space, strong filtration and plenty of oxygen; they're big eaters and warm water holds less oxygen. A heavy lid is a must, since they can jump when startled.
They mix with other large, robust monster fish such as arowana, datnoids or giant gourami, but anything that fits in that wide mouth is food. Treat tap water with anti klorin, and keep up regular water changes; some keepers add a little garam ikan (aquarium salt), though it isn't required.
The most common mistake with barramundi is buying a cute juvenile for a 3-foot tank. Within a year or so it can outgrow it. Before you buy, be honest about whether you have room for a 6-foot tank or a pond in the long run.
Jangan lepaskan ikan ke sungai. Even though barramundi are native to Malaysia, aquarium fish should never be released into rivers, lakes or drains, where they can spread disease or upset local fish. Rehome them through a seller or another hobbyist.
Check the current size, whether the photo shows the actual fish, and whether it's been kept in fresh or brackish water. Look at the seller's location, delivery or self-collect options and live-arrival terms. Barramundi are usually affordable as juveniles; price in RM rises with size. If you're in Sabah or Sarawak, check with the seller first.
Boleh, tetapi ikan siakap membesar dengan cepat dan boleh jadi sangat besar. Anak siakap boleh mula dalam akuarium 4 kaki, tetapi ikan dewasa perlukan akuarium 6 kaki atau kolam.
Ikan siakap makan udang, isi ikan dan pelet karnivor. Kebanyakan boleh dilatih makan pelet.
No. Barramundi live happily in freshwater aquariums, although they tolerate brackish and marine water too.
Browse aquarium barramundi from Malaysian sellers with prices in RM. Also see giant gourami, arowana and our full monster fishes range.
No products found
1774136648820.jpeg?signature=03733e38dbc1bf4ab0a27d851f9a69380fbf30122d441bf5e161f2946e395c0b)