Indian Snakehead Fish - Learn about its habits and how to raise it

Indian giant snakehead fish (Channa diplogramma) is a carnivorous fish native to India. It has a striking appearance and aggressive behavior and is currently listed in the IUCN Red List.

The Indian giant snakehead fish (Channa diplogramma), is one of the rare and unique freshwater fish species of India. It has a unique appearance with a sparkling silver sheen and prominent double stripes, attracting all eyes.

In today's article, let's learn more about the origin, appearance, care and raising of Indian snakehead fish !

Origin of Indian snakehead fish

Indian snakehead fish is a fish endemic to India.

The Indian giant snakehead, scientifically known as Channa diplogramma, of the family Channidae (Snakehead fish/snakehead fish), is a species of fish native to India, found in the living systems of the Western Ghats, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

This fish was first discovered in 1865 by zoologist Francis Day, however, because of its appearance similar to the Southeast Asian giant snakehead, it was not recognized. It was not until 2011 that Indian scientists confirmed that Channa diplogram m a was a separate species, unrelated to the Southeast Asian giant snakehead.

The Indian giant snakehead fish exists only in a limited geographical area, it usually lives in rivers and freshwater streams where the current is slow and there are many aquatic plants.

Currently, due to its narrow distribution, its habitat is increasingly threatened and overfishing, Channa diplogramma has been included in the IUCN Red List.

Physical characteristics of Indian snakehead fish

The distinctive appearance of an Indian giant snakehead fish.

Indian giant snakehead fish have an appearance that is easily confused with Southeast Asian giant snakehead fish, however they still have some distinct morphological characteristics that are easily recognizable as follows:

• Size : Maximum recorded size is about 45 - 60 cm, much smaller than the Southeast Asian snakehead fish.
• Body : Long, cylindrical body, flattened towards the tail.
• Head : Large, wide, like a snake's head.
• Mouth : Wide, upper jaw slightly protruding, sharp teeth.
• Eyes : Quite small, yellow or light brown in color.
• Color : Mainly dark gray or olive, with black spotted patterns on the body, and double black stripes running along both sides of the body, which is also a sign to help distinguish it from other snakehead fish species.
• Dorsal & anal fins : Extend along the body, fins have faint black or white edges.
• Caudal fin : Round and slightly concave.
• Pectoral & pelvic fins : Small, slightly transparent grey.

Indian giant snakehead fish behavior

Indian giant snakehead fish often pair up during the breeding season.

Besides the common habits of the snakehead family, Channa diplogramma also has many interesting differences due to its specific living environment. Specifically as follows:

Predatory behavior - eating meat

The Indian giant snakehead fish is a very aggressive predatory fish, it only eats meat and is usually active at dusk or at night. They often hide, wait for prey in aquatic plants, then rush out to attack their prey.

Likes to live in quiet waters

This fish only lives in slow-flowing rivers and streams or natural ponds with muddy bottoms and lots of aquatic plants. It also breathes by itself, taking oxygen from the air, so it can live in harsh conditions such as murky water, high temperatures, and stagnant ponds for a certain period of time.

Highly territorial and aggressive

Like many other snakehead fish, Channa diplogramma is highly territorial and very aggressive, especially in adulthood and during the breeding season. Therefore, it is best not to keep this fish with other fish, even of the same species.

Reproductive behavior in Indian giant snakehead fish

There are many hypotheses that Channa diplogramma has a form of reproduction by laying eggs floating on the water surface or in nests on the bottom. The reproduction process will take place during the rainy season and the male fish will guard and protect the eggs and young.

Can move on land

The Indian giant snakehead can crawl on moist land to move between dry water areas. However, this ability is not as good as some other snakehead species.

How to raise & care for Indian snakehead fish

An adult Indian striped bass.

If you want to own an Indian snakehead fish, you must have extensive experience in raising ornamental snakehead fish because this species is not only rare but also requires quite elaborate care. Please refer to the detailed instructions below.

Ideal Indian snakehead fish tank

Channa diplogram ma fish are highly territorial and like spacious environments, so when designing a fish tank you need to keep in mind the following:

• Size : Minimum 100 x 60 x 60 cm.
• Light : Light, or slightly darker than the environment.
• Tank lid : The tank needs a lid because snakehead fish like to jump a lot.
• Decoration : The tank floor should have a layer of fine sand or mud, add some deep-rooted aquatic plants, add shelters, driftwood, and rocks to create hiding spaces.
• Filter system c: Use a light filtration and aeration because fish prefer a still water environment.

Suitable water parameters for raising Channa diplogramma

For Indian snakehead fish to grow well, the water in the tank needs to meet the following basic parameters:

• Temperature : 24 - 28 degrees Celsius.
• pH : 6 - 7.5
• Hardness : 4 - 12 dGH.
• Dissolved oxygen : Does not need to be too high but still needs to be gently circulated.
• Water change : 20 - 30% of the water in the tank every week to keep the tank clean.

What do Indian snakehead fish eat?

This is a carnivorous fish, so when choosing food for it, you should prioritize the following:

• Shrimp, prawns, baby fish, earthworms, small frogs, insects,...
• Can eat frozen foods like frozen shrimp and fish.
• Pelleted and coarse food must be practiced from a young age because not all fish will eat it.

Health care and disease prevention in Indian giant snakehead fish

To help your fish stay healthy and develop well, in addition to diet and living environment, you need to observe regularly to detect unusual signs for timely treatment because fish can suffer from some diseases caused by parasites, water sources such as white spots, ulcers,...

• Some unusual signs such as : Fish stop eating, become lethargic, fish have white spots on the body, fins, ulcers...
• Disease prevention : keep the tank clean, regularly check water quality, do not feed fish spoiled food. Limit sudden changes in temperature and pH to avoid stressing fish.

How to release Indian snakehead fish when you first buy them

When you first buy Indian snakehead fish, do not put them in the tank immediately, but give them time to adapt to the change in environment to avoid the fish being frightened, sick and possibly dying. Please follow the instructions below.

• Step 1: Check the water quality and preliminary conditions of the aquarium to see if they meet the requirements for raising this fish species.
• Step 2: Let the fish get used to the temperature by letting the fish bag float on the surface of the tank for 15 - 20 minutes.
• Step 3: Slowly add water from the aquarium into the fish bag, 20 - 30% of the water in the bag at a time, repeat 3 - 4 times.
• Step 4: Use a net to catch the fish from the bag to the tank very gently so as not to hurt the fish.
• Step 5: Turn off the lights for 3 - 4 hours, carefully observe the fish's behavior to see if there is anything unusual.

How much is Indian snakehead fish?

Currently, in the Vietnamese market, the price of this fish breed is not widely announced because it is very rare and rarely imported from India. However, we have compiled the price of Channa diplogram ma fish in some countries as follows:

• Price of Indian snakehead fish in Indian market : From 70,000 - 150,000 VND/fish.
• Indian snakehead fish price in the UK : About 1,800,000 VND for a 10 cm Channa diplogramma fish.

Beautiful Indian snakehead fish pictures

With unique and eye-catching patterns, Indian snakehead fish are loved and cared for by many aquarium hobbyists. Please take a look at more beautiful moments of this fish species shared below.

An Indian giant snakehead fish is hiding among the aquatic plants.

Two Indian snakehead fish kept together in a tank.

Image of Channa diplogram m a fish swimming on the bottom.

Two Indian giant snakehead fish swimming side by side.

Thus, through the article on snakehead.info, we have shared with you complete information about the Indian giant snakehead fish - Channa diplogramm a. This is a beautiful and rare transit species because it is also a valuable heritage of the Western Ghats region of India. And currently they are not popular in Vietnam, so please consider carefully when you want to raise this fish.

If you want to discover more beautiful ornamental snakehead fish, don't miss the articles shared in our Blog section.