Family: Channidae
Bangka snakehead — a Channidae from Bangka Island, Indonesia, top predator — peaceful only with the unswallowable. Reaches 17.6–25.9 cm; juveniles group; adults rule a territory alone. 22–27 °C.
Channa bankanensis is a Channidae from Bangka Island, Indonesia. In the wild it prefers still and slow waters among vegetation; in the aquarium it stays top predator — peaceful only with the unswallowable. Plan on 17.6–25.9 cm of adult fish at 22–27 °C. Related profiles: Channa argus, Channa asiatica, Channa aurantimaculata.
Intermediate difficulty. Top predator — peaceful only with the unswallowable; juveniles group; adults rule a territory alone.
Set the heater to 22–27 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Adults reach 17.6–25.9 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 500 litres.
A fish-eater that accepts tong-fed meaty fare. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Yes, with care. Top predator — peaceful only with the unswallowable — pair it with A bonded pair in a very large tank — Only for the experienced and skip Any fish smaller than itself — Food, not company.
Native to Bangka Island, Indonesia, where it lives in still and slow waters among vegetation. Still to gentle; Tolerates low oxygen; air-breathing.
It can jump when startled — keep the tank tightly covered, especially at night and during maintenance.
Builds a foam nest among floating plants; prolonged brood care. Males have a narrower head.