Siniperca “Gold” – Golden Mandarin Fish (~33 cm max)

A captivating freshwater perch from East Asia, prized for its bright golden-yellow body—often selectively bred for this rare color variant. While typically yellowish-brown with dark spots (leopard pattern), the vibrant golden morph is especially esteemed among aquarists. 

Tank Setup:

• Size: Minimum 200 L (~50 gal) or larger to accommodate adult size and natural behavior.

• Decor: Provide ample hiding spots using driftwood, caves, and live plants. Ensure strong filtration and aeration to handle its predatory nature and maintain water clarity.

• Lighting: Moderate to dim lighting highlights the golden coloration while reducing stress.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Comfortable range around 20–25 °C (68–77 °F).

• pH: Neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline (6.5–7.5).

• Hardness: Soft to moderate.

Diet:

• A dedicated carnivore—prefers live prey such as small fish and crustaceans. Some individuals may accept frozen offerings after conditioning, but live feeding is often essential to maintain health and natural behaviors.

Behavior & Compatibility:

• A natural predator—best housed alone or with much larger, robust tankmates in very large setups.

• Not suitable for mixed community tanks due to its predatory instincts and size.

Conservation & Breeding:

• Selectively bred in captivity—especially in Korea—for its striking golden coloration. Wild populations are under pressure from overfishing and habitat degradation, making captive breeding important for sustainability.