Golden Mandarin Fish — a Percichthyidae from 中国, feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance. Reaches 28–41.1 cm; pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines. 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
Middle to bottom
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance
Origin
中国
Species overview
Siniperca scherzeri is a Percichthyidae from 中国. A thinking fish that rearranges décor and learns its keeper — and punishes bare, crowded tanks. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 28–41.1 cm. Pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines. Over-filter for its messy habits, aquascape with rock walls, and respect its claimed corner. Maintain 4–22 °C at pH 7–7.4. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
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
Pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines
Diet
Hearty eater; feed pellets with regular vegetable matter