Small snakehead

Channa asiatica

Pearl-white spots and a tail-base eyespot; pairs can turn aggressive

A natural brown adult may carry many white spots, irregular vertical rows of spots and a dark eyespot at the tail base. The body is elongated, the head broad and pelvic fins absent. Colour varies among stocks and domestic forms.

Adult length: Up to 23.5 cm
Water temperature: 22–28 °C

Natural habitat: Native to areas including China's Yangtze basin, Hainan and Taiwan, extending to the Red River basin of northern Vietnam.

Even an established breeding pair may begin severe fighting. Plan seasonal temperature and light changes and keep a way to separate fish.

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Appearance and identification

Compare the white spotting and tail-base eyespot with C. andrao; absent pelvic fins do not identify either species.

Adult space

Provide shelter, turning space, a secure cover and accessible humid air. Winter is 10–15°C and summer 25–30°C; these are seasonal phases, not one constant range.