Identification characteristics
Channa Andrao is much smaller than common snakeheads, only about 10–12 cm long when mature. Their bodies are elongated, with a characteristic blue color covering the entire body, interspersed with dark patterns creating a mysterious appearance. One of the most prominent features of this fish is the dorsal and caudal fins with bright orange or red edges, helping them stand out in the natural water environment.
Habits and habitat
Channa Andrao is a predatory fish that lives mainly in clear streams, small lakes, and still waters in India. They are well adapted to a variety of conditions, including low-oxygen environments, thanks to their accessory respiratory organs that allow them to absorb oxygen directly from the air. This allows them to survive even in shallow or slightly polluted water.
The behavior of this fish is quite interesting. They tend to live alone or in pairs and are often active in the early morning and late afternoon. As a natural predator, Channa Andrao mainly eats insects, small crustaceans, and juvenile fish in the wild. When kept in an aquarium, they can eat worms, small shrimp, or frozen food.
Why is Channa Andrao popular among aquarium hobbyists?
This fish is attracted not only by its brilliant appearance but also by its intelligent hunting behavior. When observing them move and hunt, the breeder can see the agility and sophisticated tactics they use. In addition, Channa Andrao is compact, easy to keep in medium-sized aquariums, and suitable for aquarists who love predatory fish but do not have a large space.
Despite its many advantages, Channa Andrao also requires certain conditions. They prefer clean water, temperatures ranging from 20–26°C, and need many hiding places such as caves, driftwood, or aquatic plants. In addition, this is a territorial species, so when kept with other fish, it is necessary to choose tank mates carefully to avoid conflicts.
Channa Andrao is not only a beautiful aquarium fish but also an interesting small predator, suitable for aquarists who want to explore the natural habits of snakehead fish. With eye-catching colors, intelligent hunting habits, and good adaptability, it is no surprise that this fish is increasingly popular in the aquarium market. So would you like to try keeping a Channa Andrao in your aquarium?bitlife