Golden mandarin fish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Golden mandarin fish |
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| A yellow golden mandarin fish (front) and a speckled one (back) | |
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The golden mandarin fish (Siniperca scherzeri) is a special type of freshwater fish. It is also known as the leopard mandarin fish because of its spotted look. This fish belongs to a group called ray-finned fish and is part of the Asian perch family, Sinipercidae.
You can find these fish in rivers and lakes across eastern Asia. They live in countries like Korea, China, and Vietnam.
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About the Golden Mandarin Fish
These fish can grow quite large. They can reach at least 33.4 centimeters (about 1 foot) long. They can also weigh up to 607.3 grams (about 1.3 pounds).
Appearance of the Fish
Most golden mandarin fish are yellowish-brown. They have cool blackish-brown spots all over their bodies. This is why they are sometimes called "leopard" fish.
But some of these fish are a bright, shiny yellow! These "golden" ones are very popular. People in Korea especially like them. They even breed these bright yellow fish on purpose.
Why These Fish Are Important
The golden mandarin fish is important for fishing. Many people catch them for food or for sale. However, their numbers have been going down. This is because too many are being caught, which is called overfishing. Also, their homes (habitats) are being damaged.
Farming and Festivals
To help with the declining numbers, these fish are often farmed. Fish farms raise them to make sure there are enough. Sometimes, they even create special hybrid fish. These hybrids are a mix of the golden mandarin fish and another type of mandarin fish that grows faster.
In Danyang County, Korea, there is a fun festival every April. It is all about the golden mandarin fish! It helps people learn more about these amazing creatures.
