Channa orientalis Care Guide
Channa orientalis is a small Sri Lankan snakehead lacking pelvic fins, living in shaded streams and brooding eggs in the mouth.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Channa orientalis, the Ceylon snakehead, was described by Bloch and Schneider in 1801. It is one of the smallest members of its family and is endemic to south-western Sri Lanka. The species lacks pelvic fins, a feature that distinguishes it from related snakeheads.
Taxonomy
- Family: Channidae
- Genus: Channa
- Scientific name: Channa orientalis
- Described by: Bloch & Schneider, 1801
- Common name: Walking Snakehead
Habitat
According to Wikipedia, the species is found in freshwater habitats, typically shaded streams, in south-western Sri Lanka. Using accessory respiratory organs it can survive on land for more than four days during wet weather.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Maximum size: about 10 cm SL (Wikipedia); KB range 17-22 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Provide a secured lid; the species can move over land
Diet
According to Wikipedia, Channa orientalis feeds on plankton, insects and sometimes small amphibians. It is a carnivore in the aquarium.
Compatibility
The species is semi-aggressive and is less aggressive than most Channa. It swims in the middle of the tank and may be kept as a conspecific pair; avoid keeping it with fish small enough to be eaten.
Breeding
According to Wikipedia, Channa orientalis is a mouthbrooder: the male carries the eggs while the female guards the territory, and the fry remain with the male until they can fend for themselves.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable, according to Wikipedia.
Channa orientalis Breeding Guide
Overview
Channa orientalis is a small Sri Lankan snakehead and a paternal mouthbrooder which forms lasting pair bonds. As a predatory species it feeds on smaller fishes and insects in nature. On FishBase the genus name C. orientalis is recorded as an obligate air-breather reaching a maximum length of about 33 cm and occurring in rivers, lakes, ponds, mountain streams and even brackish water, so a stable, well-oxygenated cool-water setup best matches a breeding pair.
Sexing
Males are slightly smaller, with more intense coloration in the unpaired fins than females; nuptial individuals show further intensification of colour.
Conditioning
In captivity the species accepts bloodworms, earthworms, prawns and fish flesh. Condition prospective breeders on these foods before attempting to spawn.
Breeding Setup
- Temperature: 16-24 C
- pH: 5.0-7.5
- Hardness: 18-179 ppm
- Begin with 6-8 young fish to allow a pair to form, then remove the non-paired individuals
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Spawning is induced by a prolonged period of constant temperature and a lack of water changes. At peak courtship the pair embrace in a manner similar to anabantoids, and the male then collects the fertilized eggs in his mouth.
Egg & Fry Care
The male typically holds the eggs for 3-5 days, with some individuals holding for up to 10 days. Females produce infertile eggs to nourish the free-swimming young. Parental care extends for several weeks, and fry grow faster when raised alongside their parents.
Common Challenges
Forming a compatible pair from a group is the key step, since this species relies on lasting pair bonds. A tightly covered tank is required because the fish is a jumper.