Spotted Snakehead - Channa punctata

Species name: Channa punctata

Synonym: Ophicephalus karruwey; Ophicephalus lata; Ophicephalus indicus; Ophiocephalus affinis

Common name: Spotted Snakehead

Family: Channidae

Order: Perciformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Maximum size: 30 cm / 12 inches

Environment: freshwater

Origin: Pakistan, Rivers of the plains of India; Sri Lanka; Southern Nepal

Temperament: Predatory

Company: Channa punctata (Spotted 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 (pH 5-9)

Aquarium setup: Channa punctata (Spotted Snakehead) should be kept in a large aquarium with slow circulation. The aquarium should be well planted and hiding places among roots and rocks should be provided. Channa punctata (Spotted Snakehead) can tolerate low oxygen conditions in water because they are air breathers from an early age. If prevented from surface access, adult snakeheads will die due to lack of oxygen.


Feeding: Channa punctata (Spotted Snakehead) prefers live food but should also be feed vegetable complement to their diet.

Breeding: Channa punctata (Spotted Snakehead) builds a nest where the eggs are laid and guarded b both parents. The female is responsible for the fr while the male protects the area near the fry. The parents must be well feed during breeding and guarding unless they are to eat their young. Channa punctata (Spotted Snakehead) may produce as many as 30 000 eggs.

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