Mandarin fish is widely distributed in rivers and lakes in the Jialing River Basin and the plains of eastern China. It has flat sides and a raised back. It is yellow or light green in color, with black vertical stripes and small patches. The mouth is large and retractable, with the mandible projecting forward and upward. There are villous fine teeth on both jaws and the oral cavity, as well as well-developed canine teeth.

The dorsal fin is composed of sharp spines. It is ferocious and carnivorous. A small mandarin fish that has just started eating can swallow other fish that are almost the same size as its body. Most of them live in caves in the water, sluice gates, and rocks, and eat other fish that pass by.

A variety of techniques such as hand pole fishing, line fishing, and hand line fishing can be used. Thick lines, big hooks, meat baits, small live baits and loaches are suitable. Lures and artificial bait hooks can also be used for trolling. Mandarin fish generally do not eat vegetarian bait. The fishing point should be chosen at the flowing water or tree at the bottom of clear water, sand and gravel. Cave, stone cave, beside rocky stream.

Extended information:

Ecological habits

Usually living alone, this is also the instinct of almost all carnivorous fish. It has strong adaptability to water temperature and is distributed in water systems in northern and southern China. They live near the bottom of rivers and lakes with clear water, and especially like to hide behind underwater rocks or among lush grass.

In autumn and winter when the water temperature is low, they spend the winter submerged in deep water. When the water temperature rises in spring, they gradually swim to the food-rich grass near the shore to look for food. It is mainly active at night. During the day, it usually lies in cracks in rocks, tree roots, and pits, and has less activity.

Be very careful when eating. After swallowing fish or shrimp, you will spit out the fish bones and shrimp shells, leaving only the meat in your belly. This unique feature is rare among other carnivorous fish.