Siniperca fortis

Family: Percichthyidae

Siniperca fortis — a Percichthyidae from China, assertive but manageable with space and structure. Reaches 28–41.1 cm; singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. 4–22 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
4–22 °C
pH
7–7.4
GH hardness
2–5 dGH
Adult length
28–41.1 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Assertive but manageable with space and structure
Origin
China

Species overview

Siniperca fortis, a member of the family Percichthyidae, comes from China, where it inhabits river rapids and rocky lakeshores. Assertive but manageable with space and structure and accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety, it grows to 28–41.1 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 4–22 °C range. Other Siniperca species in our database include Siniperca chuatsi, Siniperca knerii, Siniperca roulei.

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
Singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded
Diet
Accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety
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
Cave or substrate spawner with prolonged parental care

Frequently asked questions

Is Siniperca fortis easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Assertive but manageable with space and structure; singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded.

What temperature and water chemistry does Siniperca fortis need?

Set the heater to 4–22 °C and avoid swings. pH 7–7.4, GH 2–5 dGH suit it.

How big does Siniperca fortis get, and what tank size?

Full size is 28–41.1 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does Siniperca fortis eat?

Accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Siniperca fortis live with other fish?

Assertive but manageable with space and structure; singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. Good company: Large robust catfish — Ignore the posturing below. Keep away from Small or timid fish — Bullied relentlessly.

Where does Siniperca fortis come from?

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

Does Siniperca fortis jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Siniperca fortis breed?

Cave or substrate spawner with prolonged parental care. Breeding colours differ.