All fish / Channidae

Borna snakehead

Channa amphibeus

Also known as chel snakehead, borna, amphibeus snakehead, channa amphibia, giant gold snakehead, amphibious snakehead, チャンナ・アンフィベウス, channa amphibeus, 阿凡达雷龙, 金眼雷龙

A large, striking snakehead with dark bars or blotches over a golden to orange-brown body and pale-edged fins. It was known from very few specimens until it was rediscovered in the Himalayan foothills, and its rarity and colour make it one of the most prized and expensive snakeheads among specialist keepers.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

40 cm

Temperature

16 to 24 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

500 litres

Keep as

Keep singly, or as an established pair

Diet

Carnivore: fish, prawns, earthworms, insects and meaty frozen foods; can be trained onto pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern West Bengal (Chel River, Teesta basin) and Bhutan

Breeding

Like other Channa it is thought to be a mouthbrooder or nest guarding species with both parents caring for the young, but captive breeding is very rare and poorly documented.

Good to know

Grows large and is highly predatory, so it needs a big, tightly covered tank and cannot live with smaller fish. Snakeheads are banned or restricted in several places, including the USA, Australia and parts of Europe, so check local law before buying.