Channa stewartii

6. July 2007

This often under the name Channa cf. barca traded Snakehead originates from the Indian province Assam. C stewartii can reach a length of 30 cm and as predators they should kept together only with fishes whose length exhibits at least 2/3 of their body length. Beside living and dead fish they accept food as insects, worms and after habituation possibly also sticks. Since their habitat does not lie in the tropical range, they can be kept well in the unheated aquarium. They tolerate temperatures between 20 – 30°C and have low requirements concerning other water parameters. They can tolerate low oxygen conditions in water because they are air breathers from an early age. For a pair a well planted aquarium 200l aquarium with slow moving water provided with some hiding places would be ideal. Channa stewartii is probably a nest builder providing eggs and young with parental care. Other reports mention them as mouthbreeders.(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Indien, Assam