Channa burmanica - Dwarf snakehead endemic to Myanmar

Channa burmanica (Myanmar dwarf snakehead), a fish endemic to Myanmar, has a small appearance, rustic colors, and is not common in the world.

Channa burmanica snakehead fish is certainly a strange name in the ornamental snakehead fish village because they are an endemic fish species that only appear in certain areas in Myanmar and Thailand. It belongs to the dwarf snakehead fish species and is also known as the Myanmar dwarf snakehead fish. Possessing a small, lovely appearance, rustic colors, gentle temperament, and reclusive life, it is sought after by many ornamental fish enthusiasts.

To learn more about this fish, please refer to the detailed content shared in the article below of ornamental snakehead fish !

Information about snakehead fish Channa burmanica :

Origin of snakehead fish Channa burmanica

A Myanmar dwarf snakehead fish kept in an aquarium.

The snakehead fish Channa burmanica originates from small streams in southeastern Myanmar and was first scientifically described in 1918 by zoologist Nelson Annandale.

The specific distribution location is as follows:

• Myanmar : The lower Ayeyarwady River in Kachin State, Mandalay, near the Thai border.
• Thailand : Tak and Mae Sot provinces are on the northwestern border.

The name "burmanica" is derived from “Burma”, which is the old name of the country Myanmar.

In nature, this fish species often lives in small streams, freshwater canals with weak currents, places with lots of soft mud, rotten leaf beds, lots of aquatic plants and cool weather.

Currently, Channa burmanica has a very narrow distribution area and is not popular in countries other than Myanmar, so you rarely see this ornamental snakehead fish in the international aquarium hobby.

Appearance of snakehead fish Channa burmanica

The rustic appearance of the dwarf snakehead fish Channa burmanica.

Channa burmanica is a small and rare snakehead fish in the Channidae family, so below, we have shared details about the appearance of this fish to help you easily distinguish them from other individuals in the same family.

• Size : Average 10 - 15 cm in adult fish, belongs to the dwarf snakehead group.
• Body : Slender, calyx, tubular, flattened on both sides, balanced head and body ratio.
• Head : blunt nose, short snout, with 2 distinct nostrils.
• Eyes : Round, large, silvery black, with good vision in low light conditions.
• Color : Body is gray-brown or olive green, with a slight moss sheen.
• Pattern : There are many faint black spots, horizontal stripes running from head to tail, the fish's belly is opaque white or pale yellow.
• Dorsal fin : Long, running along the back, translucent brown or gray in color, with a faint black border.
• Anal fin : Runs parallel to the dorsal fin, has similar size and color.
• Caudal fin : Rounded, with pale black spots or streaks.
• Pectoral fins : Round, short, slightly transparent.

Snakehead fish Channa burmanica behavior

Snakehead fish Channa burmanica prefers habitats with lots of aquatic plants.

Below is a summary of the most typical behaviors of Channa burmanica. We invite you to learn more about the behavior of this dwarf snakehead fish.

Average territoriality

Compared to larger snakehead fish, Channa burmanica is more docile and less territorial. However, if kept in a small tank, they can still chase other fish to gain territory.

However, when it comes to the breeding stage, if conditions are ideal, male and female couples will stick together for a long time and work together to protect their territory. They are also very loyal and rarely change partners.

Is a small predatory fish

Despite its small size, Channa burmanica is a predatory fish, and it hunts by ambush – remaining motionless and then darting out to catch its prey. This is also a typical ambush hunting style of the snakehead family.

Like to hide

Channa burmanica lives in dense streams with low light, so they tend to hide more by hiding under rocks, tree roots, and rotten leaves instead of swimming freely.

They are also often most active at dusk or at dusk. This is the time when they are most likely to hunt and least likely to be detected by predators.

Hide instead of attack

Because of their small size, when threatened, this fish will try to hide instead of reacting strongly like other large, aggressive snakehead fish. If there is no place to hide in the tank, they will "reluctantly" inflate their gills and fan their fins to scare away enemies, but it is not very effective.

Difficult to breed in captivity

Channa burmanica is a snakehead fish that is very difficult to breed in captivity, plus it is an endemic fish, only appearing in some fixed areas, so it is not very popular and known by many people in the aquarium market.

The most detailed guide to raising snakehead fish Channa burmanica

A Myanmar dwarf snakehead fish is lying at the bottom of the tank.

If you are interested in Channa burmanica dwarf snakehead fish and have the conditions and experience to raise them, please refer to the detailed raising instructions below to be successful from the first try.

Design suitable pond for raising Channa burmanica fish

First, you need to prepare a suitable fish tank, which has similarities with the natural habitat of Channa burmanica, specifically as follows:

• Tank volume : Minimum 30 - 40 liters for a single individual, from 60 - 80 liters for a male and female pair.
• Water filtration system : Choose a quiet type that creates a light or weak flow.
• Heating system : keep water stable.
• Biofilter : Leaf litter can be used to simulate natural stream conditions.
• Decoration : The bottom of the tank should be lined with a layer of dry Indian almond leaves, driftwood, and small rocks. Plant a lot of algae that need little light such as Java fern, mini moss, and place many hiding places made of ceramic tubes, plastic tubes, rocks, etc.
• LED lights : Use lights with weak, soft yellow light.

Water parameters suitable for Channa burmanica fish

The most important thing to help Channa burmanica fish grow and develop best is that the water parameters must reach the ideal level, typically the following criteria:

• Temperature : 24 - 27 degrees Celsius
• pH : 6.0 - 6.8
• Hardness : Low to medium
• NO₂ / NH₃ : Always 0.
• Dissolved oxygen : Medium to high.
• Water change : Change 20 - 30% every week

What does Channa burmanica snakehead fish eat?

Channa burmanica is a carnivorous fish, so they like to eat fresh food, do not like to eat pellets, so when raising them in an artificial tank, you can feed them with the following types of food:

• Shrimp, bloodworms, earthworms.
• Water bugs, small insects.
• Fresh fish cut into small pieces.

You can feed them frozen food after they have become accustomed to the captive environment. Avoid letting excess food pollute the water source.

Should we raise both?

Although Channa burmanica is quite gentle and moderately territorial, it is best to keep them alone if the space is not large enough, only keep them in pairs when they are already compatible and absolutely do not keep them with other small fish to avoid becoming "dinner" for this fish species.

Common diseases in Channa burmanic fish and how to treat them

Below are some common diseases in Channa burmanic snakehead fish. Learn more to know how to prevent and treat early to help your fish stay healthy and live long.

Effective disease prevention :

• Maintain water quality to ensure compliance with the standards given above.
• Regularly check water parameters for timely adjustment.
• Quarantine newly purchased fish in a separate tank for 1 - 2 weeks before releasing them into the main tank.
• Do not leave leftover food in the tank for long.
• Use dried Indian almond leaves to decorate the bottom of the tank to stabilize pH and act as a natural antibacterial.

How much is Channa burmanica snakehead fish?

Because Channa burmanica is an endemic snakehead fish and is not common in Vietnam, its price is not public. However, in the international ornamental fish market, the price of this fish often fluctuates above 5,500,000 VND/fish, which is also quite expensive for ornamental snakehead fish.

Note when buying Channa burmanica fish :

• Choose to buy from reputable stores to ensure the origin and quality of the fish.
• Check the fish carefully before buying to ensure they are healthy, free of skin diseases, and swim flexibly.
• It is necessary to learn and refer to a lot of information and experience to be able to raise fish successfully and limit risks.

Beautiful Channa burmanica snakehead fish pictures

Because Channa burmanica is a rare ornamental snakehead fish in the Vietnamese ornamental fish market, we have collected many beautiful, realistic, and sharp images of this fish so you can enjoy viewing it. Let's admire it right away.

Close-up of the rustic but beautiful colors of the snakehead fish Channa burmanica.

Impressive frontal view of a Myanmar dwarf snakehead fish.

A Channa burmanica fish stands out in an aquarium.

Above, snakehead.info has shared detailed information about Channa burmanica snakehead fish , this is indeed a rare dwarf snakehead fish breed and is considered a "treasure" for sophisticated players, not suitable for those without much experience.

If you want to learn more about other beautiful and interesting snakehead fish breeds, please visit our Blog section now!