Family: Channidae
A widespread predatory snakehead of South and Southeast Asia. Keep alone in a spacious, covered tank.
A Channidae species native to South and Southeast Asia (Yunnan in China): Channa striata lives bottom; rests and forages low over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Aggressive predator — keep alone. Adults reach 70–100 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Channa species we profile, alongside Channa argus, Channa asiatica, Channa aurantimaculata.
A moderate-level species: aggressive predator — keep alone; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Aim for 23–27 °C. Standard heater to hold the mid-range steadily; 23–27 °C recorded range.
Adults reach 70–100 cm; it is bottom; rests and forages low. Plan for at least 1000 litres.
Carnivore; quality prepared foods with variety; regular frozen or live foods. It forages naturally over smooth gravel and sand with open floor space, so let some food reach the bottom.
Aggressive predator — keep alone. Recommended tankmates: . Avoid Fish under half its size — May be eaten, Small fish and shrimp — Live-prey size.
Comes from South and Southeast Asia (Yunnan in China): clear streams, rivers and still waters. Expect still to very gentle water and tolerates low oxygen.
It can jump when startled — keep the tank tightly covered, especially at night and during maintenance.
Egg-scatterer over fine plants; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.