another siniperca chuatsi question

fish speaker

Candiru
MFK Member
Mar 9, 2006
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My lfs has one of these that I'm sure I'll decide to pick up this week, as I research them here. :D I know several members keep these fish. What can you tell me about minimum tank requirements? The one at my lfs is maybe 4" right now, and I know it will most likely grow very quickly. I have empty of tanks of all sizes, up to a couple of 268-gallon tanks that I'll be setting up over the next few months (6' long x 2' wide x 3' deep...desplay tanks from a Chinese restaurant, ironically), so _probably_ have the volume.

I have seen references to a profile or article on the species...if there is such a thing, please just point me to it. I think I've read through all the threads with the name mentioned.

Thanks!
 

rallysman

Polypterus
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Aug 7, 2005
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It should be fine in one of your big tanks. I've read that max size is 24", but I've never seen one that big. The potential is there though.
 

Oddball

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Apr 27, 2005
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The main thing I can offer is if kept with other fish, those fish must be at least the same size as the S chuatsi. Mine has taken down fish up to 2/3rds it's own size. I kept mine in slightly alkaline conditions with a temp of 77F and a ton of aeration by way of additional 400gph powerheads. I started the powerheads up, beyond just using the W/D return, when i noticed my perch starting to do some rapid breathing.

Here's a pic of one about 1/2 grown at 15":

Siniperca chuatsi.jpg
 

fish speaker

Candiru
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Mar 9, 2006
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Follow-up question: The one at the lfs has lots of red. I have only seen a few pics posted here that have that kind of coloration. Does the color fade with size, or is the coloration highly variable?
 

rallysman

Polypterus
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Aug 7, 2005
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I believe it fades with size.
 
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