Channa micropeltes Care Guide
Channa micropeltes is among the largest snakeheads, a voracious Southeast Asian predator suited only to very large specialist setups.
Overview
Channa micropeltes, the giant snakehead, was described by Cuvier in 1831 and is among the largest members of its family. It is native to the fresh waters of Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia; the Indian population was reclassified as a separate species, C. diplogramma, in 2011.
Taxonomy
- Family: Channidae
- Genus: Channa
- Scientific name: Channa micropeltes
- Described by: Cuvier, 1831
- Common names: Giant Snakehead, Toman, Red Snakehead
Habitat
According to Wikipedia, the species lives in freshwater environments and can crawl onto land and breathe air in muddy or swampy areas. It is reported to reach 1.8 m in length and 30 kg in weight in the wild.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 4000 L
- Maximum size: 80-130 cm in the aquarium (KB); up to 1.8 m in the wild
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- A heavy, secured cover is essential
Diet
Channa micropeltes is a carnivore. According to Wikipedia it is a voracious predator that will chase and eat anything that fits in its mouth, which has earned it the hobby nickname "freshwater great white".
Compatibility
The species is aggressive and is kept solitarily. Juveniles are red with orange and black lateral stripes that appear after about two months; adults lose the stripes and red colour and develop a bluish-black and white pattern. It is suitable only for public aquaria or very large specialist tanks.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.