Orangespotted Snakehead
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A relatively small snakehead from the Assam region of India. JJPhoto.dk
[edit] Overview
This a relatively new and distinctive snakehead from the Assam region of India, where it is found in the same waters as the smaller Rainbow Snakehead.
It is not a dwarf, but smaller than the tankbuster Channa species that have given this family such a bad reputation among aquarists and wildlife biologists in places where they have become invasive.
As a carnivorous predator, it is best kept in a species tank or only with large, self-assured tankmates that are not likely to become prey.
NOTE: The importation, sale, and possession of all snakeheads has been banned in the United States since 2003. See: Snakeheads: Invasive Aquatic Aliens.
Family: Channidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Found in the wild in rainforest streams, ponds, swamps, flooded forests. It uses aquatic plants to hide as it waits to ambush passing prey.
Maximum length: 40 cm (16 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 681 L (180 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (295 K, 72 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom to midwater.
[edit] Feeding
Carnivore. Will eat most meaty foods, including smaller fishes and ornamental crustaceans.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Will eat fishes smaller than itself, and is not to trusted with ornamental shrimps. May be kept with extra-large barbs or Botia species, but enthusiasts usually give them a species tank of their own.
[edit] Special Care
Must be able to breath at the surface and will suffocate if keep in bagful of water without airspace.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Mouthbrooder.
| Common name | Orangespotted Snakehead + |
| Family | Channidae + |
| Genus | Channa + |
| Image credit | JJ + |
| Maximum length | 16 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 180 gal + |
| Native range | Asia +, India +, and Brahmaputra River Basin + |
| Specific name | aurantimaculata + |
| Swimming level | Bottom to midwater. + |
| Text credit | JL + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 295 K (22 °C, 72 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |