All fish / Channidae

Spotted Snakehead

Channa punctata

Also known as spotted snakehead, green snakehead, dotted snakehead, punctata snakehead, channa punctatus, ophiocephalus punctatus, taki fish, ปลาช่อนจุด, ikan haruan, チャンナ・プンクタータ, ikan gabus tutul, 斑鳢

A sturdy, cylindrical snakehead with an olive to brown body covered in dark spots and broken bars, and long dorsal and anal fins. It is kept for its bold character, hardiness and the way it gulps air from the surface using an accessory breathing organ.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

20 cm

Temperature

18 to 28 °C

pH

6.5 to 8

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

Singly or as a bonded pair

Diet

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

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

South Asia: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar

Breeding

Pairs clear a spot among plants and the female lays floating eggs that both parents guard, along with the fry. It has been bred in large aquariums and ponds when a compatible pair forms, though pairing can be risky.

Good to know

It will eat any fish it can swallow and is an accomplished jumper, so a tight lid is essential. Snakeheads are banned or restricted in several places, including the USA, Canada, Australia and parts of Europe, so check local laws before buying.