Description
Blue Rainbow Snakehead Channa Andrao Bleheri
- 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
- Stunning Colouration
- Manageable size
One of the smallest and most colourful species of snakehead has been described recently. Since about 12 years this fish is in the trade under the name of Channa sp. “Blue bleheri”. This mouth-brooding species becomes sexually mature at a length of about 8 cm. In the wild, they hardly ever become larger than 10 cm. Under aquarium conditions they may become exceptionally about 15 cm long.This species is known so far only from a swamp area in the north of India (West-Bengal / Assam). It can be easily distinguished from most species of snakehead by the lack of ventral fins. The most similar species is Channa bleheri. However, C. bleheri has always large orange-red spots in the caudal fin, which are always missing in the caudal fin of C. andrao.
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.
