Coreoperca whiteheadi

Family: Percichthyidae

Coreoperca whiteheadi — a Percichthyidae from China, territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. Reaches 16.4–24 cm; a pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. 10–23 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
10–23 °C
pH
7–7.4
GH hardness
2–5 dGH
Adult length
16.4–24 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Middle to bottom
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace
Origin
China

Species overview

A Percichthyidae species native to China: Coreoperca whiteheadi lives middle to bottom over river rapids and rocky lakeshores. Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. Adults reach 16.4–24 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Coreoperca species we profile, alongside Coreoperca kawamebari, Coreoperca loona.

Native biotope

Habitat
River rapids and rocky lakeshores
Flow
Moderate to strong current
Dissolved O₂
High

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Gravel and rock
Hardscape
Rock piles and boulders
Plants
Hardy species

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
A pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave
Diet
Omnivore with a protein lean — quality cichlid pellets
Recommended tankmates
  • Large robust catfish — Ignore the posturing below
Avoid keeping with
  • Small or timid fish — Bullied relentlessly

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Breeding colours differ
Breeding method
Dedicated pair-bonded spawner; expect fry defence

Frequently asked questions

Is Coreoperca whiteheadi easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Coreoperca whiteheadi need?

Set the heater to 10–23 °C and avoid swings. pH 7–7.4, GH 2–5 dGH suit it.

How big does Coreoperca whiteheadi get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 16.4–24 cm; it is middle to bottom. Plan for at least 500 litres.

What does Coreoperca whiteheadi eat?

Omnivore with a protein lean — quality cichlid pellets. It forages naturally over gravel and rock, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Coreoperca whiteheadi live with other fish?

Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. Recommended tankmates: Large robust catfish — Ignore the posturing below. Avoid Small or timid fish — Bullied relentlessly.

Where does Coreoperca whiteheadi come from?

Comes from China: river rapids and rocky lakeshores. Expect moderate to strong current and high.

Does Coreoperca whiteheadi jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Coreoperca whiteheadi breed?

In the aquarium: dedicated pair-bonded spawner; expect fry defence. Breeding colours differ.