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
Coreoperca whiteheadi is a Percichthyidae from China. A thinking fish that rearranges décor and learns its keeper — and punishes bare, crowded tanks. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 16.4–24 cm. A pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. Over-filter for its messy habits, aquascape with rock walls, and respect its claimed corner. Maintain 10–23 °C at pH 7–7.4. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
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