Ocellated snakehead

Channa pleurophthalma

Metallic blue-green and ocelli, with room for open-water swimming

Adults may turn metallic blue or blue-green with conspicuous pale-rimmed dark ocelli. Long dorsal and anal fins and a rounded tail frame the elongated body. Juveniles are often yellow-green.

Adult length: Up to 40 cm
Water temperature: 22–28 °C

Natural habitat: Occurs in both blackwater and clearwater habitats.

Plan for a size near 40 cm and active swimming before buying a juvenile. Peaceful behaviour in some fish does not make it a community fish.

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Appearance and identification

Lives in lakes and rivers in Sumatra and Borneo and swims in open water more than many snakeheads. The number of flank ocelli varies and colour does not show sex. Compare the adult pattern with C. micropeltes, and do not confuse it with that species' striped juveniles.

Adult space

Combine uninterrupted swimming and turning room with substantial cover. Cover the entire top securely while leaving humid air and surface access. Heavy feeding requires filtration and regular water changes.