Ceylon Snakehead - Channa orientalis

Species name: Channa orientalis

Synonym: Ophiocephalus auranticus; Ophicephalus marginatus; Ophicephalus coramota; Ophicephalus fuscus

Common name: Ceylon Snakehead

Family: Channidae

Order: Perciformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Maximum size: 10 cm / 4 inches

Environment: freshwater

Origin: Southwestern Sri Lanka

Temperament: Predatory

Company: Channa orientalis (Ceylon Snakehead) should not be kept with fish smaller than 2/3 of the species size.

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

Aquarium setup: Channa orientalis (Ceylon Snakehead) should be kept in a clean aquarium. The aquarium should be setup so that it is well circulated with calm areas. The aquariums should containe some hiding places. Plants are optional. Channa orientalis (Ceylon Snakehead) can tolerate low oxygen conditions in water because they are air breathers from an early age. If prevented from surface access, adult Channa orientalis (Ceylon Snakehead) will die due to lack of oxygen.

Feeding: Channa orientalis (Ceylon Snakehead) accepts live and frozen food.

Breeding: Channa orientalis (Ceylon Snakehead) is according to existing reports a mouth broader. The male carries the eggs while the female guard the territory. The male is less active during this period and is often seen close to the surface. The fry remain with the male until the can take care of them self. Females may catch stray fry and return them to the mouth of the male. The fry is ejected via the gill openings.

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