Photo: JeongAhn / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Siniperca scherzeri
Korean Mandarin Fish
Freshwater
About this species
A boldly blotched freshwater predator of clear Korean rivers, prized as a premium game and food fish. It ambushes small fish from rocky crevices in swift, clean water. Minnow-imitating lures and small live fish drifted near boulders are favored tactics.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
0 – 10 m
Habitat Spots
RiverStream
Fishing Methods
LureFloat
Bait & Rig
Small live fish (crucian carp fingerlings, minnows) or minnow-imitating lures drifted past rocky crevices in swift, clear rivers.
Edibility & Taste
Highly prized luxury food fish in Korea with firm, white, sweet flesh; one of the most expensive freshwater fish in domestic markets.
Similar Species
Distinguished from the Chinese mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) by its more irregular and larger dark body blotches and generally smaller adult size.
Record Weight
3.5 kg