Channa argus Care Guide
Channa argus is a large temperate snakehead from East Asia, a hardy invasive species whose keeping is restricted in many regions.
Overview
Channa argus, the northern snakehead, was described by Cantor in 1842. It is native to temperate East Asia, in China, Russia, North Korea and South Korea; its natural range extends from the Amur River watershed in Siberia and Manchuria south to Hainan. Established non-native populations exist in Central Asia and the Mid-Atlantic United States, and keeping the species is restricted or illegal in many regions.
Taxonomy
- Family: Channidae
- Genus: Channa
- Scientific name: Channa argus
- Described by: Cantor, 1842
- Common names: Northern Snakehead, Amur Snakehead
Habitat
According to Wikipedia, preferred habitats are stagnant water with mud substrate and aquatic vegetation, or slow, murky, swampy streams. The fish can survive out of water for several days using its air-breathing organ and is adapted to temperate climates.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 2000 L
- Maximum size: up to 100 cm, with specimens approaching 150 cm documented
- Temperature: 4-28 °C (39-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- A heavy, secured cover is essential
Diet
According to Wikipedia, Channa argus is primarily piscivorous but also eats crustaceans, other invertebrates and amphibians. It is a carnivore.
Compatibility
The species is aggressive and grows large; it is kept solitarily. Before acquiring it, confirm that keeping snakeheads is legal in your jurisdiction, as the species is regulated as invasive in many areas.
Breeding
According to Wikipedia, sexual maturity occurs at 3-4 years of age, and females can lay around 100,000 eggs annually.