Siniperca kneri – Big-Eye Mandarin Fish (~35 cm max)

A robust Asian perch with a flattened, elongate body and notably large eyes. It features a protruding lower jaw and a sloping back. The body usually displays subtle dark spots and 5–6 faint horizontal stripes. A sizeable predator, it can reach up to around 35 cm in length.  

Tank Setup:

• Needs a large aquarium—ideally 200 L or more, with plenty of open swimming space and secure cover.

• Include structures like driftwood or rock caves to provide shade and hiding areas.

• Strong filtration is essential due to its size and predatory nature.

Water Conditions:

• Tolerates a range of temperatures, but optimal is around 20–25 °C.

• Prefers neutral to slightly acidic or alkaline water (pH roughly 6.5–7.5).

• Soft to moderate hardness works best.

Diet:

• A top-level carnivore—mainly eats live prey such as smaller fish and crustaceans.

• Reliance on live food is current standard; developed pellet diets are limited so far. 

Behavior & Compatibility:

• Solitary by nature and highly predatory.

• Best housed alone or with much larger, non-prey species.

• Not suitable for community tanks with small or delicate fish.

Conservation & Origin:

• Native to river systems in southern China and parts of Vietnam.

• Wild populations are declining due to overfishing and habitat disruptions.