All fish / Channidae

Inle snakehead

Channa harcourtbutleri

Also known as burmese snakehead, inle lake snakehead, harcourt-butler's snakehead, dwarf snakehead, チャンナ・ハルコートブトレリ, 茵莱湖雷龙, 茵莱雷龙

This is one of the smaller snakeheads. It has a long, cylindrical body and a long dorsal fin, and its mottled brown colouring can show bluish tints. Keepers like it because it stays small enough for a modest tank and is full of character. It is also a cooler-water species, so no heater is usually needed.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

16 to 24 °C

pH

6.5 to 8

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Keep singly or as a settled pair

Diet

Carnivore: earthworms, prawns, mussel, fish fillet, insects and carnivore pellets once accepted

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Myanmar: Inle Lake and the surrounding Shan Plateau waters

Breeding

It is a mouthbrooder. The male carries the eggs and fry while the female guards the area nearby. Captive spawnings have been reported in pairs that are well settled, but forming a compatible pair takes patience.

Good to know

It must have a tight-fitting lid because snakeheads jump and breathe air. It will eat any fish small enough to swallow. Importing or keeping snakeheads is banned or restricted in some places, including parts of the USA, so check local law first.