Channa pleurophthalma

Family: Channidae

Channa pleurophthalma — a Channidae from Southeast Asia. Reaches 30–44 cm; keep at 24–30 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
24–30 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
30–44 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Predatory; ambush hunter
Origin
Southeast Asia

Species overview

Channa pleurophthalma is a Channidae from Southeast Asia. In the wild it prefers still and slow waters among vegetation; in the aquarium it stays predatory. Plan on 30–44 cm of adult fish at 24–30 °C. Related profiles: Channa argus, Channa asiatica, Channa aurantimaculata.

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; will eat smaller tankmates
Diet
Carnivore; meaty foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with
  • Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males have a narrower head
Breeding method
Bubble-nest or mouthbrooding by species

Frequently asked questions

Is Channa pleurophthalma easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Predatory; ambush hunter. Singles; will eat smaller tankmates.

What temperature and water chemistry does Channa pleurophthalma need?

Set the heater to 24–30 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Channa pleurophthalma get, and what tank size?

Expect 30–44 cm as an adult, living middle of the water column. A 500 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Channa pleurophthalma eat?

Carnivore; meaty foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Channa pleurophthalma live with other fish?

Predatory; ambush hunter. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.

Where does Channa pleurophthalma come from?

Its home waters are Southeast Asia — still and slow waters among vegetation, with still to gentle.

Does Channa pleurophthalma jump?

It can jump when startled — keep the tank tightly covered, especially at night and during maintenance.

How does Channa pleurophthalma breed?

In the aquarium: bubble-nest or mouthbrooding by species. Males have a narrower head.