Snakeheads

Snakeheads are air-breathing predators with real personality, from dwarf Channa that suit a species tank to giants that outgrow most homes. All of them jump, so a tight lid is not optional. Each profile lists adult size, tank size and temperament, since the gap between a dwarf and a monster is huge.

10 species

• 

  African snakehead

  Parachanna obscura

  17.7 in (45 cm)74 gal (280 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)

• 

  Blue snakehead

  Channa andrao

  5.5 in (14 cm)29 gal (110 L)59–77°F (15–25°C)
• Bullseye snakehead

  Channa marulius

  47.2 in (120 cm)396 gal (1,500 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)

• 

  Dwarf snakehead

  Channa gachua

  7.9 in (20 cm)40 gal (150 L)64–82°F (18–28°C)

• 

  Forest snakehead

  Channa lucius

  15.7 in (40 cm)70 gal (265 L)68–86°F (20–30°C)

• 

  Giant snakehead

  Channa micropeltes

  39.4 in (100 cm)528 gal (2,000 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Ocellated snakehead

  Channa pleurophthalma

  15.7 in (40 cm)70 gal (265 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Orange-spotted snakehead

  Channa aurantimaculata

  15.7 in (40 cm)119 gal (450 L)59–77°F (15–25°C)

• 

  Peacock snakehead

  Channa pulchra

  11.8 in (30 cm)74 gal (280 L)61–79°F (16–26°C)

• 

  Rainbow snakehead

  Channa bleheri

  7.9 in (20 cm)42 gal (160 L)59–77°F (15–25°C)