Ocellated snakehead

The ocellated snakehead, scientific name Channa pleurophthalma, belongs to the family Channidae (Snakeheads). The name of this species reflects the features of the body pattern, on which several large black spots with a light border are clearly visible.

Habitat

Comes from Southeast Asia. It occurs in river systems on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo (Kalimantan). It lives in various environments, both in shallow streams with clear running water, and in tropical swamps with an abundance of fallen plant organic matter and dark brown water saturated with tannins.

Description

Adult individuals reach a length of up to 40 cm. Unlike most other Snakeheads, which have an elongated, almost cylindrical body like snakes, this species has the same long, but somewhat laterally compressed body.

A characteristic feature is a pattern of two or three large black spots, which are outlined in orange, which vaguely resembles eyes. One more “eye” is located on the gill cover and at the base of the tail. Males are colored blue. In females, greenish shades predominate. It should be noted that in some cases the color may not be so bright, it may be dominated by gray shades, but with the preservation of a spotted pattern.

Young fish are not so colorful. The main color is gray with a light belly. Dark spots are weakly expressed.

Behavior and Compatibility

One of the few Snakeheads that can live in groups as adults. Other species are solitary and aggressive towards relatives. Due to its size and predatory lifestyle, a species aquarium is recommended.

In spacious tanks, it is acceptable to keep them together with large species that will not be considered food.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 500 liters.
• Water and air temperature – 22-28°C
• Value pH — 6.0–7.5
• Water hardness – 3–15 dGH
• Substrate type – any soft dark
• Lighting – subdued
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – little or no
• The size of the fish is about 40 cm.
• Nutrition – live or fresh/frozen food
• Temperament – conditionally peaceful
• Content alone or in a group

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

The optimal size of the aquarium for one fish starts from 500 liters. Another feature that distinguishes it from the rest of the genus is that the Ocellated Snakehead loves to swim rather than spend time at the bottom. Thus, the design should provide for large free areas for swimming and several places for shelters from large snags, thickets of plants. Preferably dim lighting. Clusters of floating vegetation can be used as shading.

It is noted that fish can crawl out of the aquarium if there is a small distance between the surface of the water and the edge of the tank. To avoid this, a cover or other protective device must be provided.

Fish have the ability to breathe atmospheric air, without access to which they can drown. When using a cover, an air gap must necessarily remain between it and the surface of the water.

Fish are sensitive to water parameters. During maintenance of the aquarium with a water change, sudden changes in pH, GH and temperature should not be allowed.

Food

Predator, eats everything that it can swallow. In nature, these are small fish, amphibians, insects, worms, crustaceans, etc. In a home aquarium, it can be accustomed to alternative fresh or frozen foods, such as fish meat, shrimp, mussels, large earthworms and other similar foods. There is no need to feed live food.

Sources: Wikipedia, FishBase