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
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Channidae
Origin
Endemic to Myanmar, found in clear, rocky streams of the upper Irrawaddy drainage.

Overview

Reaching about 30 cm, it needs a tank of at least 280 litres with a secure lid and plenty of cover. Provide cooler water at 16 to 26 C with a seasonal dip and pH 6.0 to 7.5. It can be aggressive toward its own kind, so keep singly or as a proven pair with dither fish too large to swallow. Feed prawns, earthworms and other meaty foods, weaning it off live fish.

In the wild

The peacock snakehead is a medium dwarf species from clear Myanmar streams, marked with orange spots and white-edged pectoral fins. Adults develop rich blue-green tones along the body. It is an ambush predator that holds station among rocks and roots.

Good to know

Channa pulchra is endemic to the upper Irrawaddy drainage and reaches around 30 cm. Like several Burmese snakeheads it is thought to be a mouthbrooder. It comes from cooler, flowing water rather than warm still swamps.

Did you know

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

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.

How big does a Peacock snakehead get?

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

Related species