Description
African Snakehead Parachanna Africana
- Care Level: Moderate
- Tank Size: 88 Gal (400 Ltr) min
- Temperament: Aggressive
- PH: 6 – 8
- Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
- Flow: Moderate
What We Like About This Fish:
- Beautiful Markings
- A Real Standout Fish
- Stunning Colouration
- Manageable size
Parachanna africana, the African snakehead or Niger snakehead, is a species of fish from west-central Africa. Little is published on its biology. Limited primarily to coastal sections of rivers, it is thought to be a nest-building, thrust predator like other Channidae.
Snakeheads have an accessory respiratory organ, which allows them to breathe outside of the water for a long time.
Snakeheads will need a strong, tight-fitting lid on their aquarium as they will sometimes jump or get carried away while hunting live fish.
Species specific aquariums are recommended as they are highly predatory and aggressive; although they can coexist with a few of the largest cichlids (Gars are usually a safe bet), large catfish, and various large Plecos. Tank mates should be chosen carefully and should comparable in size as adults.
Snakeheads are ferocious, predatory carnivores and mainly eat massive amounts of live fish, but also eat frogs, insects and crayfish in the wild. In the aquarium they should be fed a constant supply of live fish, but they will also accept live earth worms, frogs, crickets, and dry foods.
