Channa andrao (Rao's Dwarf Snakehead) Care Guide
Channa andrao is a small dwarf snakehead described in 2013 from the Lefraguri swamp in West Bengal, India, and popular in the aquarium trade.
Overview
Channa andrao is a small dwarf snakehead of the family Channidae, described in 2013 by Ralf Britz and named after the ornamental-fish collector and breeder Andrew Rao. FishBase lists a maximum of about 14.2 cm total length. It is closely related to C. bleheri but shows stronger blue body coloration, and is an obligate air-breather.
Taxonomy
- Family: Channidae
- Genus: Channa
- Scientific name: Channa andrao
- Common synonyms: Channa sp. 'Assam', Lal Cheng
Habitat
Seriously Fish reports the species as known only from the Lefraguri swamp in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal, India. It was collected in a forested swamp with a silty bottom, shallow turbid water of around pH 6.3 and water temperature near 26.9 °C, with abundant aquatic vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Tightly fitting lid required (escape-prone)
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
A carnivore: FishBase places the species at a trophic level of about 3.6. In aquaria it should be offered meaty foods such as earthworms, prawn and suitable frozen items.
Compatibility
A predatory, semi-aggressive species best kept as a conspecific pair in a species tank. Seriously Fish recommends a spacious, well-planted aquarium with driftwood, rocky caves and floating plants to diffuse light, efficient filtration with both flowing and quiet zones, and a tight-fitting lid because these fish are expert jumpers. Avoid smaller and long-finned tankmates.
Breeding
Seriously Fish reports that Channa andrao is a male mouthbrooder, with the male releasing the fry after roughly nine days of brooding.