Edit Channa lucius
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Name
Scientific name
Channa lucius
Described by
Authority Cuvier, Year 1831, Bracketed
Family
Channidae
Common names
Forest Snakehead
Photograph credits
All 18 credited
Summary
The forest snakehead, Channa lucius, is a predatory snakehead from Indochina, Peninsular Malaysia and the Greater Sunda Islands. Also refer…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
400mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 150 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 20–30°C, pH 5–7.5
Hardness
2–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
A pair
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Borneo, Java, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Baleh, Balui, Baram, Batang Hari, Benuang, Beris, Bukit Merah, Chao Phraya, Danau Sentarum, Endau, Kaha, Kahang, Kapuas, Kayan, Kelimau, Lawa, Lenggor, Liting, Mae Klong, Mahakam, Mekong, Mujan, Palai, Palutan, Rajang, Rayu, Tasek Bera, Tenasserim, Tinjar, Tonlé Sap, Tubaau, Yuh
Writing
Etymology
Channa: from the Latin channe, used to refer to an unspecified species of sea perch. lucius: from the Latin lucius, used to refer to an unspecified fish (proba…
Distribution
Currently understood to have an enormous natural range extending east and southwards from the Mekong River system throughout much of Indochina including Laos, …
Habitat
A generalist which has been collected in many different types of habitat although it does tend to avoid very fast-flowing water and displays a preference for f…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base measuring at least 150 ∗ 60 cm is recommended. Water depth is less important but should not be less than 30 cm.
Maintenance
Prefers a dimly-lit aquarium with plenty of cover in the form of live plants, driftwood branches, terracotta pipes, plant pots, etc., arranged to form a networ…
Water conditions
Not written yet
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 e…
Behaviour and compatibility
Not written yet
Sexual dimorphism
Not written yet
Reproduction
A biparental free spawner with the eggs simply floating at the surface post-spawning. Both male and female remain with the fry for an extended period of time.
Notes
This species is sometimes referred to as 'splendid' or 'shiny' snakehead. Members of the family Channidae are commonly referred to as 'snakeheads' due to posse…
References
References
8 on this profile