Maturing at a length of 19 inches these fish are no joke when large, far more predaceous then one would think..With the ability to tolerate both salt water and fresh, large whiteys can and are known for their predatorial prowess, even taking an occasional small sea bird in the wild, from time to time, or as often as every day..Carnivores of all types of sea crabs, shrimp, and fishes, the larger white perch are swift fast and opportunistic predators, taking eels, frogs, and almost anything that moves in the water..I've observed these fish in aquarium settings even out eating large mouth bass and pea cock bass..Their temperaments are that of the petenia splendida, better known as the more common red morph "red bay snook".. but with larger fish (over 15 inches) their temperaments are more approaching of that of the south American cichlidae class in aggression..I've had the pleasure of keeping these swift, nifty, and fast predators in my aquarium up until 17 ish inches and personally may add they are super fearless in terms of human interaction, as where other "tougher" fish may hide when your net or cleaning apparatus goes into the tank these guys DO NOT..Instead looking to eat something and even taking swipes at your hand..(larger whiteys do have substantial dentation to break skin) ..as for feeding..not many can match it's speed in "capture" of prey..trust me when I say that..In a 900 galloon tank I've seen fish starve in the presence of a large white perch..and believe me when I say the only fish similar is the Hemichromis elongatus..AKA the 5 star jewel..Dorado, certain pike cichlids, peacock bass, LMB, ect...but...but the white perch is on top..
thanks for reading..
thanks for reading..
