Family: Channidae
Channa punctata — a Channidae from South Asia. Reaches 22.5–33 cm; keep at 22–30 °C.
A Channidae species native to South Asia: Channa punctata lives middle of the water column over still and slow waters among vegetation. Predatory; ambush hunter. Adults reach 22.5–33 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Channa species we profile, alongside Channa argus, Channa asiatica, Channa aurantimaculata.
A moderate-level species: predatory; ambush hunter; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Aim for 22–30 °C. Heater for stable warmth; 22–30 °C curated husbandry range.
Expect 22.5–33 cm as an adult, living middle of the water column. A 500 L tank or larger gives it room.
Carnivore; meaty foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Predatory; ambush hunter; singles; will eat smaller tankmates. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Native to South Asia, where it lives in still and slow waters among vegetation. Still to gentle; Tolerates low oxygen; air-breathing.
A confirmed jumper: fit a tight lid and lower the waterline slightly.
Bubble-nest or mouthbrooding by species. Males have a narrower head.