Snakehead fish Channa orientalis - Origin, habits, care

Channa orientalis (Sri Lankan snakehead fish), a miniature ornamental snakehead fish endemic to Sri Lanka, has a primitive, wild, docile, and adaptable appearance.

Channa orientalis or Sri Lankan snakehead fish is a species endemic to the island of Sri Lanka. It attracts attention not only for its small size and wild appearance but also for its high adaptability and many interesting habits. Although they are not widely popular in the aquatic world, they are still a passion for many sophisticated aquarium hobbyists.

In today's article, ornamental snakehead fish will share with you complete information about Channa orientalis so you can understand and know how to take care of this special fish!

Information about snakehead fish Channa orientalis:

Origin of snakehead fish Channa orientalis

Channa orientalis is a fish species endemic to Sri Lanka.

Channa orientalis, also known as Sri Lankan snakehead fish or Ceylon dwarf snakehead fish, is a species of fish endemic to the island nation of Sri Lanka, found only in the wild in this country. They are mainly distributed in the following areas:

• Kandy
• Nuwara Eliya
• Badulla

Previously, many people thought that C. orientalis also appeared in India, but it is actually the species Channa gachua.

Due to its very limited natural distribution and the increasing threat of over-exploitation, the species is now in serious decline, and in Sri Lanka the export of wild specimens is strictly controlled. However, some populations have been successfully bred in captivity, which has helped to stabilize the supply to the international aquarium market.

Appearance of snakehead fish Channa orientalis

The rustic yet striking appearance of the Sri Lankan snakehead fish.

Channa orientalis is a snakehead fish that is quite small in size but has a striking appearance, specifically as follows:

• Size : 12 - 15 cm, mini fish in the snakehead family.
• Shape : Elongated, slightly flattened horizontally.
• Head : Short, round, wide jaw, slightly curved lip line.
• Eyes : Large compared to body size, with red-orange or light yellow rims, can see well in low light environments.
• Color : The body of the fish is dark olive green with a coppery tint or light grayish brown, the belly is ivory white or light yellow, without spots or stripes.
• Dorsal & anal fins : Long, with pale blue or metallic purple-blue edges
• Caudal fin : Slightly rounded, same color as dorsal fin, some have faint spots.

Channa orientalis snakehead fish behavior

A pair of snakehead fish Channa orientalis.

Right below are the typical habits of Sri Lankan snakehead fish. If you want to understand more about this fish, don't miss it!

Strong hunting instinct

Channa orientalis is a carnivorous fish that hunts by ambush, often hiding under layers of rotten leaves or dense aquatic bushes to wait for prey, then suddenly attack.

They are also often active at night and early morning, and during the day they will hide to avoid fierce enemies.

Can breathe fresh air

Like many other snakehead fish, Channa orientalis can breathe air directly through its labyrinth organ, so they can live well in stagnant ponds, small streams or even shallow puddles. In the aquarium, you will occasionally see them come to the surface to breathe air.

Likes to hide, territorial

Because of their small size, Sri Lankan snakehead fish are shy and prefer to live alone. They often choose places with dark light, lots of driftwood and rotten leaves as their own shelter and territory, and do not like to be disturbed.

Mouthbrooding

Channa orientalis has very interesting reproductive habits, very different from other fish of the same species, specifically as follows:

• Female fish lay eggs, after the male fish fertilizes them, they will hold the eggs in their mouths to incubate them until they hatch into baby fish.
• During that time, the male fish will not eat, they become passive, and just lie still in quiet places to avoid being disturbed.

How to raise Channa orientalis snakehead fish in detail for beginners

Channa orientalis aquarium with fine sand substrate.

If you want to try your hand at this special mini Channa orientalis snakehead fish, please refer to the detailed breeding instructions shared below.

Prepare a suitable tank for keeping Channa orientalis

In order for Sri Lankan snakehead fish to quickly adapt well to the artificial aquarium environment, you need to create a suitable living environment that has many similarities with the natural environment of this fish species, specifically as follows:

• Size : Minimum 60 x 30 x 30 cm for 1 individual, if kept in groups, the tank needs to be 1m or longer.
• Tank substrate : Should be decorated with fine sand, mixed with rotten leaves or peat.
• Driftwood : Place several pieces of driftwood horizontally to create shelter for fish.
• Dried Indian almond leaves : Should be present to create a slightly acidic environment.
• Aquatic plants : Plant many aquatic plants that can tolerate shade well such as Javen fern, Abubias
• Lighting : Choose soft, dim LED lights
• Flow : Weak.
• Filtration system : Choose a filter that does not create strong currents.

Ideal water parameters for snakehead fish Channa orientalis

If you want Channa orientalis to grow best, you need to prepare an ideal water environment with the following basic criteria:

• Temperature : 23 - 27 degrees Celsius
• pH : 6.0 - 6.8, slightly acidic
• Hardness : 2 - 8 dGH
• TDS hardness : 50 - 150 ppm

What fish can Channa orientalis be kept with?

If you want to be safe and easy to manage, you should keep Channa orientalis alone. However, if the tank is large enough and has plenty of shelter, you can keep it in groups of 3 or more. Absolutely do not keep it with small, weak fish to avoid being attacked by Sri Lankan snakehead fish.

What does Channa orientalis snakehead fish eat?

Channa orientalis is a carnivorous species and is quite "easy-going" about food, so when kept in an artificial tank, you can feed them the following foods:

• Live or frozen food : Bloodworms, shrimp, small prawns, red worms,...
• Industrial food : Sinking pellets specifically for carnivorous fish.

Note :

• Should feed fish 1 - 2 times/day
• Feed fish just enough food each time, avoid excess.
• Especially during the breeding season, male fish will fast for 1-2 weeks to incubate eggs, so don't force them to eat.

Notes when raising Channa orientalis

To be successful in raising Sri Lankan snakehead fish, please note the following!

• Avoid sudden water changes and harsh lighting.
• Do not expose fish to unchlorinated water.
• Use a lid to prevent fish from jumping out of the tank.
• Do not keep with aggressive or overly active fish.