Chinese Snakehead (Channa asiatica)
| Chinese Snakehead Channa asiatica | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Chinese Snakehead |
| Name Lat. | Channa asiatica |
| Family | Snakeheads |
| Family lat. | Channidae |
| Order | Labyrinth Fishes |
| Order lat. | Anabantiformes |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Rivers, floodplains |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 |
| Behavior | Predatory, aggressive |
| Keeping | Individual, pair |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10-20 cm |
| Temperature | 20-28 °C |
| Hardness | 5-15 °dH |
| Aquarium | 240 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3.9"-7.9" |
| Temperature | 68-82 °F |
| Hardness | 89-267 ppm |
| Aquarium | 65 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the Asian snakeheads is the river system of the Yangtze River (China) and the Red River (northern Vietnam). They live in shallow, slow-flowing waters, floodplains and lakes 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. They need only a small depth of water, but at least 30 cm.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the 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 mixture, supplemented with live earthworms fly maggots etc.. Dry food is rarely accepted.
Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes). 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 have longer extended dorsal fins and more silvery spots. Females are slightly larger and rounder, especially at spawning time.
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners and both parents perform brood care. The eggs float on the water surface, are collected and guarded. After 1-2 days the young hatch, swim freely after about 24 hours and immediately accept Artemia nauplii. After about a week they can be fed with daphnia or mosquito larvae
The fry must be fed sufficiently several times a day, otherwise they will eat each other.
In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
The Asian snakeheads do not have a ventral fin. They are very fast growing
The fish should not be offered meat from mammals (beef, pork) or poultry, because it contains lipids that can not be digested and therefore there may be 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); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 3, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische; Harri Deutsch Verlag
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF