Snakehead Betta — a Osphronemidae from Southeast Asia, peaceful but slow — it loses every feeding race. Reaches 1.5–2.2 cm; pairs or small groups in quiet, plant-thick tanks. 24–28 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
24–28 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
5–19 dGH
Adult length
1.5–2.2 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but slow — it loses every feeding race
Origin
Southeast Asia
Species overview
From the waters of Southeast Asia comes Betta channoides, a member of the family Osphronemidae. A labyrinth breather that cruises the plant tops like a sailboat in still water. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 1.5–2.2 cm. Pairs or small groups in quiet, plant-thick tanks. Prioritise calm surface water and cover from above; this fish dislikes current and commotion equally. Maintain 24–28 °C at pH 6–8. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.
Native biotope
Habitat
Still waters, rice paddies and slow streams
Flow
Still to very gentle water
Dissolved O₂
Tolerates low oxygen; labyrinth breather
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Soft sand with leaf litter
Hardscape
Dense planting and shelters
Plants
Dense hardy plants reaching the surface
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Pairs or small groups in quiet, plant-thick tanks
Diet
Unfussy eater; supplement with live or frozen fare
Recommended tankmates
Other calm labyrinth fish — Share the slow lane
Avoid keeping with
Fin-nippers like tiger barbs — Torn fins and endless stress
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Males larger with longer fins
Breeding method
Builds a foam nest among floating plants; paternal care