Family: Channidae
A medium-sized predatory snakehead from southern China. Keep singly or as a pair — it will eat small tankmates.
Channa asiatica, a member of the family Channidae, comes from Southern China, northern Vietnam, where it inhabits clear streams, rivers and still waters. Predatory — best kept singly or as a pair and carnivore; quality prepared foods with variety; regular frozen or live foods, it grows to 16.4–23.5 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 22–28 °C range. Other Channa species in our database include Channa argus, Channa aurantimaculata, Channa gachua.
Yes — it is the most manageable species of the family. It still needs a large tank, a serious lid and a commitment to its predatory diet.
Yes. It is an honest predator and should be housed alone or with fish too large to swallow. Do not trust size gaps — it grows fast.
Breathing. The suprabranchial organ lets snakeheads use atmospheric oxygen, which is why they survive in stagnant water. Regular surface visits are normal.
A bonded pair is the ideal setup and the path to breeding, but introduce prospective mates carefully in a large tank with visual barriers, as unmatched individuals may fight.
That depends on your jurisdiction — several countries and regions restrict snakeheads because of invasive records; verify local rules before acquiring any Channa.