Striped Snakehead (Channa striata)
| Striped Snakehead Channa striata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Striped Snakehead |
| Name Lat. | Channa striata |
| Synonym | Ophicephalus striatus |
| Family | Snakeheads |
| Family lat. | Channidae |
| Order | Labyrinth Fishes |
| Order lat. | Anabantiformes |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Habitat | Rivers, floodplains |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Behavior | Predatory |
| Keeping | Individual, pair |
| Care Level | Experts only |
| Reproduction | Egg scatterer |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 8-12 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 60-90 cm |
| Temperature | 23-27 °C |
| Hardness | 5-18 °dH |
| Aquarium | 800 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 24"-35" |
| Temperature | 73-81 °F |
| Hardness | 89-320 ppm |
| Aquarium | 200 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The cross-striped snakeheads are widespread in South and Southeast Asia. They live in slow-moving or stagnant waters, such as rivers, lakes, ponds and floodplains, with dense vegetation among branches, roots and stones.
Maintenance
The spacious aquarium should have robust perimeter planting, plenty of hiding places from large rocks and roots, and adequate swimming space. A dark sand substrate 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 accepted frozen without problems, supplemented with live earthworms fly maggots etc.. Dry food (granules, sticks) is occasionally accepted, but should not be the main food.
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, but adults behave very aggressive within the species. In a larger, with many hiding places structured tank a pair attitude is also possible. If a pair is found, they usually stay together for life. Since they eat everything that fits in their mouth, they can only be socialized with very large and defensible fish
Basically, only mutually compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Females are slightly larger and rounder, especially at spawning time.
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners and both parents perform brood care. Often plants are bitten off at the spawning site, creating a nest. The eggs float on the water surface and are guarded. After about 3 days, the young hatch and are cared for for several more weeks. They grow very fast and can be fed with daphnia or mosquito larvae after only one week
The young fish 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
Buried in moist mud, they can survive dry periods lasting months. Adults grow up to 3 kg and are popular food fish in their native country.
The fish should not be offered meat from mammals (beef, pork) or poultry, because it contains certain lipids that cannot be digested and therefore fat deposits can occur, even organ degeneration. 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. 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 (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF