rainbow snakehead — a Channidae from NE India, predatory and best kept alone or in a carefully planned pair. Reaches 10.8–15.8 cm; singles for life; a true pair is the exception. 22–27 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
22–27 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
10.8–15.8 cm
Minimum tank
300 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Predatory and best kept alone or in a carefully planned pair
Origin
NE India
Species overview
From the waters of NE India comes Channa bleheri, a member of the family Channidae. A patient ambush predator that surveys its domain from cover and strikes in one burst. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 10.8–15.8 cm. Singles for life; a true pair is the exception. Over-filter, under-stock, and cover the tank like it owes you money. Maintain 22–27 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Best suited to a keeper who can match its natural water.
Native biotope
Habitat
Still and slow waters among vegetation
Flow
Still to gentle
Dissolved O₂
Tolerates low oxygen; air-breathing
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Soft sand
Hardscape
Dense cover and caves
Plants
Dense planting
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Singles for life; a true pair is the exception
Diet
Committed piscivore — whole fish, shrimp and meaty foods
Recommended tankmates
Nothing practical in a community — Adults see tankmates as meals
Avoid keeping with
Invertebrates — Disappear overnight
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Males have a narrower head
Breeding method
Surface-nesting with committed biparental guarding