Family: Percichthyidae
Siniperca knerii — a Percichthyidae from China, territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. Reaches 28–41 cm; a pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. 4–22 °C.
Siniperca knerii, a member of the family Percichthyidae, comes from China, where it inhabits river rapids and rocky lakeshores. Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace and omnivore with a protein lean — quality cichlid pellets, it grows to 28–41 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 fortis, Siniperca roulei.
Difficulty: moderate. Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. A pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave.
Aim for 4–22 °C. Stable temperate to subtropical; 4.0–22.0 °C typical for the genus.
Expect 28–41 cm as an adult, living middle to bottom. A 500 L tank or larger gives it room.
Omnivore with a protein lean — quality cichlid pellets. It forages naturally over gravel and rock, so let some food reach the bottom.
Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. Recommended tankmates: Other cichlids of similar size and temperament — Balance aggression across the tank. Avoid Delicate planted-tank species — Uprooted and outcompeted.
Its home waters are China — river rapids and rocky lakeshores, with moderate to strong current.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
Dedicated pair-bonded spawner; expect fry defence. Breeding colours differ.