All fish / Channidae

Orange-fin dwarf snakehead

Channa aurantipectoralis

Also known as orange pectoral snakehead, channa aurantipectoralis, orange fin gachua, dwarf snakehead, channa sp. mizoram, チャンナ・オーランティペクトラリス, 橙胸鳢

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This small snakehead belongs to the Channa gachua group. It has a long, cylindrical brown body with darker mottling and a dark V-shaped mark on top of the head. Its plain bright orange pectoral fins have no spots or bars, and they are the main reason keepers want it as a colourful dwarf predator for a species tank.

Care at a glance

Care level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Adult size: 15 cm
Temperature: 18 to 25 °C
pH: 6 to 7.5
Smallest tank: 80 litres
Keep as: Singly or as a bonded pair
Diet: Carnivore: earthworms, prawns, insects, bloodworm and pieces of fish
Swims: Bottom of the tank
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
Water: Freshwater
Wild range: India: Karnaphuli drainage in Mizoram

Breeding

It is thought to be a paternal mouthbrooder like the rest of the gachua group: the male carries the eggs and fry while the female guards. Bonded pairs can spawn in captivity, but finding a compatible pair is often the hardest step.

Good to know

Keep a tight lid on the tank because snakeheads jump and breathe air. It will eat any fish small enough to swallow, and importing or keeping snakeheads is banned or restricted in some places, including the USA and parts of Europe.