Edit Channa orientalis
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Name
Scientific name
Channa orientalis
Described by
Authority Bloch & Schneider, Year 1801
Family
Channidae
Common names
Ceylon snakehead
Photograph credits
All 11 credited
Summary
The Ceylon snakehead, Channa orientalis, is a small snakehead without pelvic fins, endemic to the wet zone of southwestern Sri Lanka. Its n…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
100mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 90 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 23–26°C, pH 5–7.5
Hardness
1–10dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A pair
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Sri Lanka, Bentota, Gin, Kelani
Writing
Etymology
Channa: from the Latin channe, used to refer to an unspecified species of sea perch. orientalis: from the Latin orientalis, meaning 'of the east', in reference…
Distribution
Endemic to southwestern Sri Lanka where it appears restricted to the so-called ‘wet zone’ (see 'Habitat'). Confirmed localities are all within the Bentota and …
Habitat
The ‘wet zone’ of southwestern Sri Lanka is an area receiving annual rainfall of 2000 – 3000 mm, much of which arrives during the South-West monsoons between M…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base dimensions of at least 90 ∗ 30 cm is recommended. Water depth is less important but should not be less than 30 cm.
Maintenance
Prefers a dimly-lit aquarium with a layer of surface vegetation such as Ceratopteris spp. plus some submerged cover. Driftwood roots and branches can be used a…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
An obligate predator which probably feeds on smaller fishes and insects in nature, but in most cases adapts well to dead alternatives in captivity. Some specim…
Behaviour and compatibility
Best maintained in the absence of other fishes, and captive breeding should be the priority given its conservation status. Nevertheless, C. orientalis can be k…
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males tend to be slightly smaller in build and possess more intense colouration in the unpaired fins than females. The colour pattern intensifies further…
Reproduction
This species is a paternal mouthbrooder which forms lasting pair bonds. Unless a proven pair is available it is best to begin with a group of 6-8 young fish an…
Notes
This species has also been referred to as the 'green', 'smooth-breasted', or 'walking' snakehead. Its scientific name has and continues to be widely misapplied…
References
References
9 on this profile