Edit Parachanna africana
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Name
Scientific name
Parachanna africana
Described by
Authority Steindachner, Year 1879, Bracketed
Family
Channidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 10 credited
Summary
Parachanna africana is an African snakehead found from Benin to Nigeria, in lowland coastal rivers draining into the Gulf of Guinea. Someti…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
300mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 22–28°C, pH 5–7.5
Hardness
2–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Species tank only
Social needs
Solitary or specimen
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Benin, Nigeria, Cross, Geriyo, Ikpa, Ikpoba, Kwa Ibo, Niger, Nun, Ouémé, Sombreiro, Warri
Writing
Etymology
Parachanna: from the Ancient Greek παρά (pará), meaning 'close to, near', and the genus name Channa, to which members are closely related. africana: 'from Afri…
Distribution
This species' known range extends from Benin to Nigeria, with records from several rivers draining into the Gulf of Guinea, including the Ouémé watershed in so…
Habitat
Primarily inhabits lowland, coastal river basins, swamps, lakes and man-made reservoirs, and has been recorded in the Niger Delta region. Sympatric species inc…
Aquarium size
An aquarium with base dimensions of 120 ∗ 60 cm or equivalent is recommended.
Maintenance
Prefers a dimly-lit aquarium with a layer of surface vegetation such as Ceratopteris spp., plus some submerged cover. It is essential to use a tightly-fitting …
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
An obligate ambush predator which probably feeds on smaller fishes and invertebrates in nature, but in most cases adapts well to dead alternatives in captivity…
Behaviour and compatibility
Best-maintained in a species-specific aquarium, but can apparently be maintained alongside similarly-sized fishes if sufficient space is available.
Sexual dimorphism
Adult males are slightly smaller and slimmer than females, possess a longer, narrower head shape, and slightly extended unpaired fins.
Reproduction
Unrecorded in captivity. In the wild the eggs are apparently laid among floating vegetation where they float at the surface and are guarded by the male. Nuptia…
Notes
This species is sometimes referred to as 'African snakehead' or 'Niger snakehead'. It is uncommon in the aquarium trade, most often appearing as bycatch among …
References
References
8 on this profile