Family: Channidae
Burmese snakehead — a Channidae from Myanmar, top predator — peaceful only with the unswallowable. Reaches 6–8.8 cm; juveniles group; adults rule a territory alone. 22–27 °C.
Channa burmanica, a member of the family Channidae, comes from Myanmar, where it inhabits still and slow waters among vegetation. Top predator — peaceful only with the unswallowable and a fish-eater that accepts tong-fed meaty fare, it grows to 6–8.8 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 22–27 °C range. Other Channa species in our database include Channa argus, Channa asiatica, Channa aurantimaculata.
Intermediate difficulty. Top predator — peaceful only with the unswallowable; juveniles group; adults rule a territory alone.
Aim for 22–27 °C. Heater for stable warmth; 22.0–27.0 °C typical for the genus.
Expect 6–8.8 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 93 L tank or larger gives it room.
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.
Its home waters are Myanmar — still and slow waters among vegetation, with still to gentle.
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.