Assamese Snakehead (Channa stewartii)
| Assamese Snakehead Channa stewartii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Assamese Snakehead |
| Name Lat. | Channa stewartii |
| Family | Snakeheads |
| Family lat. | Channidae |
| Order | Labyrinth Fishes |
| Order lat. | Anabantiformes |
| Origin | South Asia |
| Habitat | Rivers, floodplains |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Predatory |
| Keeping | Individual, pair |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 15-25 cm |
| Temperature | 16-28 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | 120 cm / 240 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 5.9"-9.8" |
| Temperature | 61-82 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | 65 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Assam snakehead fish is the northern Indian province of Assam and Nepal. They live in shallow, slow-flowing waters and floodplains but also near the banks of mountain streams with dense underwater vegetation, hidden among roots, stones and fallen leaves
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting, with many hiding places, such as caves (e.g. perforated rocks, clay tubes) and roots, as well as free swimming space. A dark sand substrate covered with some foliage (e.g. sea almond or beech leaves) and subdued light (floating plants) is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They are voracious predators. According to their size, the food offer consists of insect larvae, shrimps, mysis, small crustaceans, crab meat and fish, which is also easily accepted frozen or a commercial frozen food mix, supplemented with live earthworms fly maggots etc.. Dry food is occasionally accepted, but should not be the main diet.
Only feed as much as will be eaten immediately (in 10 minutes or less). Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
Juveniles are compatible with each other, adults are aggressive within the species. In a larger tank, structured with many hiding places, pair keeping is also possible. They can be socialized well with calm, large fish, which they do not regard as prey
In principle, only mutually compatible fish species with similar requirements to the water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Males show a distinct blue body sheen. Females are slightly larger and rounder, especially at spawning time.
Reproduction and breeding
They are mouth brooders. After spawning, the male takes the eggs into the mouth for brood care. After 3-5 days, sometimes much longer, the young hatch. Food is nutrient eggs produced by the female. The fry continue to be cared for by the parents for several weeks. The fry must be adequately fed with Drosophila, Artemia nauplii and Cyclops several times a day, otherwise they will eat each other.
In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
Stewart's snakehead fish should not be kept at a constant temperature, natural seasonal variations (winter and summer periods) are better
There are populations that can differ in color pattern as well as behavior.
The fish should not be offered meat from mammals (beef, pork) or poultry, as it contains certain lipids that cannot be digested and therefore it can lead to fat deposits and even organ degeneration.They have an additional respiratory organ, the so-called labyrinth (suprabranchial organ) with which they breathe atmospheric air and can suffocate if this is not possible. Since they like to jump, the aquarium must be well covered.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF