Edit Channa gachua
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Name
Scientific name
Channa gachua
Described by
Authority Hamilton, Year 1822, Bracketed
Family
Channidae
Common names
Dwarf Snakehead
Photograph credits
All 45 credited
Summary
The dwarf snakehead, Channa gachua, is a snakehead recorded across an enormous range from Iran to Taiwan and Bali. There is significant evi…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
200mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 18–28°C, pH 5–8
Hardness
1–20dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A pair
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Borneo, Java, Sumatra, Adyar, Ayeyarwady, Barakar, Batang Hari, Beris, Brahmaputra, Chao Phraya, Chembarambakkam Lake, Chindwin, Damodar, Dong Nai, Endau, Ganges, Kelawi, Ken, Koyna, Lake Inle, Mae Klong, Mekong, Mengyejiang, Mula, Mula-Mutha, Mutha, Nam Ou, Nam Theun, Pamba, Phrom, Rajang, Rayu, Red, Salween, Sekong, Xe Bang Fai, Xe Kaman
Writing
Etymology
Channa: from the Latin channe, used to refer to an unspecified species of sea perch. gachua: appears to be derived from a Bengali vernacular name for the speci…
Distribution
Currently considered to have an enormous natural range extending from Iran to Taiwan and Bali, with records existing from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ne…
Habitat
A generalist which has been collected in many different types of habitat, although it does tend to avoid very fast-flowing water. Like others in the genus it c…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base measuring at least 120 ∗ 45 cm is recommended. Water depth is less important but should not be less than 30 cm.
Maintenance
Like most smaller Channa species it prefers a dimly-lit aquarium with plenty of cover in the form of live plants, driftwood branches, terracotta pipes, plant p…
Water conditions
Temperature: 18 – 28 °C. It is useful to know from where the fish derive, since populations from colder regions such as northern India are likely to require a …
Diet
An obligate predator feeding mostly on smaller fishes and insects in nature but in most cases adapting well to dead alternatives in captivity. Some specimens m…
Behaviour and compatibility
In general Channa are best-maintained in species-specific aquaria, although C. gachua can be kept in a well-chosen community arrangement alongside peaceful, no…
Sexual dimorphism
In most populations males develop more-extended dorsal and anal fins than females, and sometimes a more intense colour pattern. Females tend to grow larger tha…
Reproduction
A mouthbrooder which is bred on a regular basis in captivity. Females of some populations are known to produce infertile eggs in order to feed the fry once the…
Notes
There exists significant evidence to suggest that C. gachua as currently understood represents a complex of similar-looking species, and a taxonomic review of …
References
References
14 on this profile