Channa pleurophthalma (Ocellated Snakehead) inhabit the lakes and rivers of southeastern Sumatra; Kapuas and Barito basins of Kalimantan. The colouring which can be seen on the young fish illustrated here changes with increasing age to iridescent, metallic blue. C. pleurophthalma can reach an overall length of 40 cm and requires a large aquarium (> 150cm). The aquarium should be decorated so that a lot of areas for swimming are created and a few hiding places. Plants are not necessary. Channa species are excellent jumpers and often jump out of the water so a well covered aquarium is a necessity. They can tolerate low oxygen conditions in water because they are air breathers. In their natural environment they consume fish of all sizes, shrimps, prawns, crabs, and insects. Since they are strong eaters and have an appropriate metabolism they load the water strongly. Good filtering and regular water changes are thus also for these often as undemandingly represented fish of importance.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Borneo, Sumatra |
