Snakehead Betta (Betta channoides)
| Snakehead Betta Betta channoides | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Snakehead Betta |
| Name Lat. | Betta channoides |
| Family | Gouramies |
| Family lat. | Osphronemidae |
| Order | Labyrinth Fishes |
| Order lat. | Anabantiformes |
| Origin | Borneo |
| Habitat | Ponds, floodplains |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 2-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4 cm |
| Temperature | 22-26 °C |
| Hardness | 2-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6" |
| Temperature | 72-79 °F |
| Hardness | 36-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the snakehead fighting fish is the east of the island of Borneo (Kalimantan, Indonesia). There they live in small, shallow and weedy, low-oxygen ponds, pools and rice fields as well as in floodplains.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting, with many hiding places (stones, roots). A dark substrate with foliage (sea almond leaves) and subdued light (floating plant cover) is ideal. They only need a shallow water depth, 25 cm is sufficient.
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 prefer live food, accordingly the food offer consists of cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mysis, and mosquito larvae, which is accepted without problems also in frozen form, supplemented with commercially available, frozen special food mixtures. High-quality dry food (flakes, granules) is also well accepted.
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only as much should be fed as is eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They should be kept in pairs. Keeping multiple pairs is only recommended in a large, richly structured tank. They are a peaceful species that can be kept well in a community tank with hiding places.
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The male is more boldly colored and has a white fringe on the dorsal, caudal and anal fins.
Reproduction and breeding
They are mouth breeding fighting fish. Mating occurs near the bottom, with the male entwining the female in a u-shape. The eggs fall on the anal and caudal fin of the male. The female collects them and spits them in front of the male's mouth. The male takes the eggs into his throat pouch for further mouth brooding. The female defends the male and the territory. From the 9th day the young fish are released.
The fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (dust food, Artemia nauplii). In a community tank breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey
Important
They have an additional respiratory organ called the labyrinth (suprabranchial organ) with which they breathe atmospheric air and can suffocate if this is not possible
Other fish of similar shape and coloration are usually perceived as enemies.
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: petdata; Image: Ruinemans Aquarium B.V.
Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF