Channa stewartii Care Guide
Channa stewartii is a dwarf snakehead from north-east India and Nepal, inhabiting hill streams and kept as a cool-tolerant aquarium predator.
Overview
Channa stewartii, Stewart's snakehead, is a dwarf snakehead described by Playfair in 1867. It is native to Nepal and the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura, and may also occur in Bangladesh. The species is of little value as a food fish but is common in the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Channidae
- Genus: Channa
- Scientific name: Channa stewartii
- Described by: Playfair, 1867
- Common name: Stewart's Snakehead
Habitat
According to Wikipedia, this freshwater fish mostly inhabits hill streams but can also be found in ponds across north-east India and Nepal. Sources note that it naturally lives at temperatures between roughly 18 and 25 °C and tolerates a wider range than many tropical fish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Maximum size: 25-30 cm
- Temperature: 18-24 °C (64-75 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Provide an air gap below a secured lid; the fish breathes atmospheric air and jumps
Diet
Channa stewartii is a carnivore that takes meaty foods. As a predator it should only share space with fish too large to be swallowed.
Compatibility
The species is aggressive and territorial. It is generally kept singly or, with care, as a conspecific pair, and swims in the middle of the tank. Tankmates smaller than about two-thirds of its length are at risk.
Breeding
Channa stewartii is a mouthbrooder. Breeding is rated advanced for the aquarium.