Indonesian snakehead (Channa micropeltes)

Scientific name: Channa micropeltes Cuvier, 1831

Indonesian snakehead (Channa micropeltes)

The Indonesian snakehead (Channa micropeltes) is a freshwater fish of the family Channidae that grows to about 130 cm (51 in). It is easy to keep and aggressive, is best kept in a species tank and needs water at 22–28°C (72–82°F) and a pH of 6.5–7.5. Native range: Asia, Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins, the Malay Peninsula and the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.

Indonesian snakehead care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Aggressive
Community tank
Not suitable
Adult size
130 cm (51 in)
Temperature
22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH
6.5–7.5
Diet
Carnivore. Accepts live foods.

Biology

A broad, dark longitudinal stripe in adults; two black longitudinal stripes with a bright orange intermediate area in juveniles.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Channa micropeltes
Family
Channidae (Snakeheads)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
130
Common length
50.0
Depth range
100 m (328 ft)
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic; potamodromous; depth range 100 - ? m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Asia: Mekong and Chao Phraya basins; the Malay Peninsula, and the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. Material from India usually referred to as this species actually represents a distinct species.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Assuming tmax>10)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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