There is currently no mandarin fish breeding base in Sichuan.

Mandarin fish usually live alone, which is also the habit of almost all carnivorous fish. Mandarin fish has strong adaptability to water temperature and is distributed in water systems in northern and southern China. Mandarin fish live near the bottom of rivers and lakes with clear water. They especially like to hide behind underwater rocks or in 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. Mandarin fish are mainly nocturnal. During the day, they usually lie in rock crevices, tree roots, and pits and have less activity. Mandarin fish eats very carefully. After swallowing fish and shrimp, it will spit out the fish bones and shrimp shells, leaving only the meat in its belly. This unique feature is rare among other carnivorous fish.