TankBud

Peacock snakehead

Channa pulchra

Also known as Pulchra snakehead, Beautiful snakehead

FreshwaterFish

Peacock snakehead (Channa pulchra)
Melanochromis · Public domain

Care at a glance

Temperature
61–79°F
16–26°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
11.8 in
30 cm
Minimum tank
74 gal
280 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
Species tank only
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Channidae
Origin
Endemic to Myanmar, found in clear, rocky streams of the upper Irrawaddy drainage.

Overview

The peacock snakehead is an aggressive snakehead that needs cooler water and a species tank. It is best kept by someone with a little experience.

Did you know

Wild peacock snakeheads come from streams that cool sharply in winter, so year-round tropical warmth actually shortens their lives.

Caring for the peacock snakehead

Give the peacock snakehead a tank of at least 74 gal (280 L), with a secure lid and plenty of cover. Provide cooler water at 61 to 79°F (16 to 26°C) with a seasonal dip, and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Feed prawns, earthworms and other meaty foods, and wean it off live fish. It can be aggressive toward its own kind, so keep it singly or as a proven pair. Give it a species tank.

Like several Burmese snakeheads, the peacock snakehead is thought to be a mouthbrooder. Breeding it is a moderate challenge.

Good to know

The peacock snakehead, Channa pulchra, is a medium dwarf snakehead in the family Channidae. It is marked with orange spots and white-edged pectoral fins, and adults develop rich blue-green tones along the body.

In the wild

The peacock snakehead is endemic to Myanmar, where it lives in clear, rocky streams of the upper Irrawaddy drainage. It comes from cooler, flowing water rather than warm, still swamps. It is an ambush predator that holds station among rocks and roots.

Common questions

What size tank does a peacock snakehead need?

A peacock snakehead needs at least 74 gal (280 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a peacock snakehead need?

A peacock snakehead is comfortable at 61–79°F (16–26°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a peacock snakehead eat?

A peacock snakehead eats prawns, earthworms and other meaty foods. Wean it off live fish.

How big does a peacock snakehead get?

An adult peacock snakehead reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).

How does a peacock snakehead breed?

The peacock snakehead is thought to be a mouthbrooder, as several Burmese snakeheads are. It is a moderate challenge to breed.

Related species