Striped Snakehead (Channa striata)
From The Aquarium Wiki
Striped Snakehead
Striped Snakehead
Channa striata
568 Litres (150 US G.)
85-100 cm (33.5-39.4")
7.0 - 8.0
23 -27 °C (73.4-80.6°F)
6-16 °d
1:1 M:F
8-12 years
Family
Channidae
Contents
Additional names
- Striped Snakehead, Snakehead Murrel, Chevron Snakehead, Common Snakehead
Additional scientific names
- Ophiocephalus wrahl, Ophiocephalus chena, Ophicephalus planiceps, Ophicephalus sowarah
Origin[edit]
- Found across Pakistan, most drainages of India, Southern Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Southern China and the Malay Archipelago.
Tank compatibility[edit]
- This fish will eat any fish it can fit in it's mouth, and may well take chunks out of those larger. Is best kept alone in a species tank, or with very robust and fast swimming, but not bullish, larger fish.
Diet[edit]
- This Snakehead's diet consists mostly of insects and smaller fish. As adults they are predominantly piscivores and fish almost half its own size can be swallowed, they will accept most live foods and may be weaned onto dead.
Feeding regime[edit]
- Feed once or twice a day.
Environment specifics[edit]
- Provide this large fish with an equally large tank with a good footprint and filtration. It should be provided with plenty of open swimming space as well as large rocky caves in which to hide. A secure lid or wire mesh is a must.
Behaviour[edit]
- A large predatory fish. The Snakehead is capable of taking air from the surface.
Identification[edit]
- The eel-like body of the Striped Snakehead is dark brown in colour with faint black bands visible across its entire body. The dorsal fin of the Striped Snakehead is long stretching across the back. It has a small head with a big mouth which shows rows of sharp teeth for trapping its prey.
Pictures[edit]
External links[edit]
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
)
