All fish / Channidae

Bangka Snakehead

Channa bankanensis

Also known as bankanensis snakehead, bangka snakehead, bankan snakehead, channa bankanensis, ikan bujuk, haruan, チャンナ・バンカネンシス, ikan jaloi, kerandang, 邦卡雷龙, 班卡雷龙

This is a small, slim snakehead with a dark brown, marbled body and a long dorsal and anal fin. It comes from acidic blackwater peat swamps and is kept by specialists who enjoy its secretive habits and attractive patterning.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

3.5 to 6

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

Singly or as a bonded pair

Diet

Carnivore: earthworms, shrimp, insects, fish fillet and prawn; live food often needed at first

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Bangka, Belitung and Borneo

Breeding

It is thought to be a mouthbrooder, with the male carrying the eggs and young. Captive spawning is rare because the fish need very soft, acidic water and a compatible pair.

Good to know

It does poorly in hard or neutral water and needs very soft, acidic blackwater with a tight-fitting lid, because snakeheads jump. Live snakeheads are banned in several countries, including the USA, so check your local laws before buying.