Burmese snakehead

Channa pulchra

Fine head spots and broad pale pectoral bands; check stock origin

Grey-blue to lavender sides carry fine dark dots and irregular orange markings. A dark spot sits at the front of the long dorsal fin.

Adult length: Up to 30 cm

Natural habitat: Inhabits headwaters of Kyeinthali Chaung in Rakhine State, Myanmar.

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Appearance and identification

Fine head speckles and broad pale pectoral bands separate it from C. ornatipinnis, which has larger solid spots. Both occur in Myanmar's Rakhine region, but their care differs. It lays floating eggs rather than mouthbrooding.

Adult space

Plan turning space, cover and separation for a fish of 20–25 cm. Use a secure lid and give access to humid air.

Diet and feeding

Preys on shrimp. Offer suitable animal foods and watch intake.

Same-species behaviour

Aggression varies with the individual, pairing and environment. Peaceful behaviour in one stock does not mean lasting compatibility.

Compatibility limits

Ornamental shrimp are eaten. Warm-water keeping does not make small fish safe, and care for C. ornatipinnis should not be copied.

Aquarium environment

Use plants and wood as visual cover while keeping room to move and surface access. Shrimp are not safe.

Sources

www.aquariumglaser.de ↗ 2026-10-22

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25

researcharchive.calacademy.org ↗ 2026-10-22