Channa striata Care Guide
Channa striata is a large, hardy Asian food fish and snakehead that builds and guards nests; an aggressive species for big tanks only.
Overview
Channa striata, the striped snakehead, was described by Bloch in 1793. It is native to South and Southeast Asia, ranging across southern China, Pakistan, most of India, southern Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and most of Southeast Asia. It is an important food fish of considerable economic importance throughout its range.
Taxonomy
- Family: Channidae
- Genus: Channa
- Scientific name: Channa striata
- Described by: Bloch, 1793
- Common name: Striped Snakehead
Habitat
According to Wikipedia, the species inhabits freshwater plains and migrates from rivers and lakes into flooded fields. During dry seasons it survives by burrowing in the mud. Adults are dark brown with faint black bands across the body.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 1500 L
- Maximum size: up to about 1 m, rarely reached in the wild due to fishing
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 5-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- A heavy, secured cover is essential
Diet
According to Wikipedia, Channa striata preys on frogs, water bugs and smaller fish, and will attack anything moving while breeding. It is a carnivore.
Compatibility
The species is aggressive and grows large; it is kept solitarily. It swims in the middle water column and is hardy but unsuitable for community settings.
Breeding
According to Wikipedia, both males and females help construct a nest out of aquatic vegetation during breeding, and the eggs are guarded by both parents. Breeding difficulty is intermediate.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.