black snakehead — a Channidae from Malay Peninsula, predatory and best kept alone or in a carefully planned pair. Reaches 22.5–33 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
22.5–33 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Predatory and best kept alone or in a carefully planned pair
Origin
Malay Peninsula
Species overview
Channa melasoma, a member of the family Channidae, is native to Malay Peninsula. Its name is honest: this fish breathes air, so a tight lid and a shaded surface are survival gear. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 22.5–33 cm. Singles for life; a true pair is the exception. Give it cover, clean water and a lid that latches — snakeheads explore any gap above the waterline. 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
A bonded pair in a very large tank — Only for the experienced
Avoid keeping with
Any fish smaller than itself — Food, not company
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Males have a narrower head
Breeding method
Surface-nesting with committed biparental guarding