All fish / Channidae

Blue Rainbow Snakehead

Channa andrao

Also known as blue rainbow snakehead, channa andrao, rainbow snakehead, blue snakehead, lal pari, andrao snakehead, チャンナ・アンドラオ, 蓝彩虹雷龙, 安德劳雷龙

A small dwarf snakehead with a long dorsal and anal fin edged in bright blue, orange and white, over a dark speckled body. Keepers value it for its colour, manageable size and bold, watchful behaviour, which make it suitable for a modest planted tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

15 to 25 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Single fish or a bonded pair

Diet

Carnivore: earthworms, bloodworm, shrimp, insects and small pieces of fish; may learn to take pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

India: northern West Bengal and Assam (Brahmaputra basin lowlands)

Breeding

A mouthbrooder in which the male carries the eggs and both parents guard the fry. It has bred in captivity, usually after a cooler winter period, though it is still not routine.

Good to know

It will eat any fish or shrimp small enough to swallow and is an expert jumper, so a tight lid is essential. Snakeheads are banned or need permits in some places, including the USA and parts of Europe, so check local law first.