Barca Snakehead - Channa barca

Species name: Channa barca

Synonym: Ophiocephalus barca; Ophicephalus nigricans

Common name: Barca Snakehead

Family: Channidae

Order: Perciformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Maximum size: 90 cm / 35 inches

Environment: freshwater

Origin: Channa barca (Barca Snakehead) is found in Ganges and Brahmaputra River basin, India and Bangladesh.

Temperament: Aggressive

Company: Channa barca (Barca Snakehead) should not be kept with species smaller then the snakeheads

Water parameters: Temperature around 18˚C / 65˚F; pH 6.5 – 8.0


Aquarium setup: Channa barca (Barca Snakehead) requires a very large aquarium tank or even better a pond. The holding tank should be decorated with hiding places and open areas to swim on. Plants are not necessary unless you want to try and breed them. They need to be able to reach the surface and will suffocate if they are prevented from reaching the surface.


Feeding: Channa barca (Barca Snakehead) prefers live food but accepts most live food.

Breeding: We have no breeding information for Channa barca (Barca Snakehead)

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