Family: Percichthyidae
Siniperca undulata — a Percichthyidae from China, territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. Reaches 11.2–16.5 cm; a pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. 4–22 °C.
Siniperca undulata is a Percichthyidae from China. In the wild it prefers river rapids and rocky lakeshores; in the aquarium it stays territorial. Plan on 11.2–16.5 cm of adult fish at 4–22 °C. Related profiles: Siniperca chuatsi, Siniperca fortis, Siniperca knerii.
Difficulty: moderate. Territorial; line-of-sight breaks keep the peace. A pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave.
Set the heater to 4–22 °C and avoid swings. pH 7–7.4, GH 2–5 dGH suit it.
Full size is 11.2–16.5 cm. Minimum tank: 327 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
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; a pair claims a territory; give each a defensible cave. Good company: Large robust catfish — Ignore the posturing below. Keep away from Small or timid fish — Bullied relentlessly.
Comes from China: river rapids and rocky lakeshores. Expect moderate to strong current and high.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
In the aquarium: dedicated pair-bonded spawner; expect fry defence. Breeding colours differ.