Channa asiatica Care Guide
Channa asiatica is an East Asian snakehead that lacks pelvic fins, builds nests and tolerates very cool water across its Chinese range.
Overview
Channa asiatica is a snakehead described by Linnaeus in 1758. It is one of the snakeheads native to China and is also found in Taiwan and southern Japan, where it may have migrated or been introduced. Unlike the Indian mouthbrooding dwarf snakeheads, it is a nest builder.
Taxonomy
- Family: Channidae
- Genus: Channa
- Scientific name: Channa asiatica
- Described by: Linnaeus, 1758
- Common name: Small Snakehead
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species occurs in the Yangtze River basin in central China, Taiwan and Hainan Island, extending to the Red River basin of northern Vietnam, with further reports from Japan. It is a benthopelagic, obligate air-breathing freshwater fish recorded at 22-28 °C. The KB record indicates tolerance of cooler water down to around 14 °C in subtropical parts of its range.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Maximum size: about 23.5 cm TL (FishBase); KB range 25-35 cm
- Temperature: 14-24 °C (57-75 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Provide a secured lid; the fish breathes air and jumps
Diet
According to FishBase, Channa asiatica feeds on crustaceans, insect larvae and fish. It is a carnivore and accepts meaty foods in the aquarium.
Compatibility
The species is aggressive and territorial and is best kept singly in a species tank. It swims in the middle water column. This snakehead is notable for lacking pelvic fins.
Breeding
Channa asiatica is a nest builder rather than a mouthbrooder, which distinguishes it from the Indian dwarf snakeheads. Breeding in the aquarium is rated advanced.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009).