Northern Snakehead - Channa argus

Species name: Channa argus

Synonym: Ophicephalus pekinensis; Ophicephalus argus warpachowskii

Common name: Northern Snakehead

Family: Channidae

Order: Perciformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Maximum size: 85 cm / 33 inches

Environment: Freshwater

Origin: Russia, China, Korea

Temperament: Aggressive.

Company: Channa argus (Northern Snakehead) should only be kept with other fishes of similar size.

Water parameters: Temperature 22-28˚C / 72-82˚ F; pH 6-7.5

Aquarium setup: Channa argus (Northern Snakehead) should only be kept in very large aquariums due to their size. Adult specimens are more suitable for ponds then aquariums. The aquariums should offer densely planted sections as well as open areas. Make sure to provide open surface area so that they can breed.

Feeding: Channa argus (Northern Snakehead) are predatory and accept most meaty foods.


Breeding: Channa argus (Northern Snakehead) can be breed in ponds. They build large nests from plant parts. This species can produce up to 15 000 eggs in a spawning. The hatching period depends on the water temperature. Both parents guard eggs and fry.


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