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
Channa stewartii, a member of the family Channidae, is native to Assam, India. 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 22.3–32.7 cm. Solitary as an adult; crowding breeds violence. 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. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.
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