Assamese Snakehead (Channa stewartii)

Family: Channidae

Assamese Snakehead — a Channidae from Assam, India, an ambush hunter; tankmates must exceed its gape. Reaches 22.3–32.7 cm; solitary as an adult; crowding breeds violence. 22–27 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
22–27 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
22.3–32.7 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
An ambush hunter; tankmates must exceed its gape
Origin
Assam, India

Species overview

A Channidae species native to Assam, India: Channa stewartii lives bottom-dwelling over still and slow waters among vegetation. An ambush hunter; tankmates must exceed its gape. Adults reach 22.3–32.7 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Channa species we profile, alongside 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
Solitary as an adult; crowding breeds violence
Diet
Refuses vegetation; feed fish, prawn and quality carnivore pellets
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
Floating bubble-nest builder; both parents guard the fry

Frequently asked questions

Is Assamese Snakehead easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. An ambush hunter; tankmates must exceed its gape. Solitary as an adult; crowding breeds violence.

What temperature and water chemistry does Assamese Snakehead need?

Set the heater to 22–27 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Assamese Snakehead get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 22.3–32.7 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 500 litres.

What does Assamese Snakehead eat?

Refuses vegetation; feed fish, prawn and quality carnivore pellets. It forages naturally over soft sand, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Assamese Snakehead live with other fish?

An ambush hunter; tankmates must exceed its gape; solitary as an adult; crowding breeds violence. Good company: A bonded pair in a very large tank — Only for the experienced. Keep away from Any fish smaller than itself — Food, not company.

Where does Assamese Snakehead come from?

Its home waters are Assam, India — still and slow waters among vegetation, with still to gentle.

Does Assamese Snakehead jump?

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

How does Assamese Snakehead breed?

Floating bubble-nest builder; both parents guard the fry. Males have a narrower head.