Burmese Spotted Snakehead

Channa ornatipinnis

Burmese Spotted Snakehead is a bottom-to-middle swimmer. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.

AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerSolitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional contextIntermediate – Advanced

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Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm)
Aquarium size: 106 US gal (400 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 10 years
Group behavior: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 106 US gal (400 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: pH 6–8, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Burmese Spotted Snakehead is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Feed varied meaty foods such as frozen/thawed prawns, mussels, earthworms and insects; avoid unnecessary live feeder fish.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 106 US gal (400 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Myanmar.

Breeding notes

Cool-water seasonal husbandry is necessary. The specialist reports sharply increased aggression above 20 C; do not maintain this species permanently on a generic warm tropical range. Ensure surface-air access and a secure cover.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Barca Snakehead Channa barca Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 41.3" (≤ 105 cm) 50–82°F (10–28°C) Avacado Pufferfish Auriglobus modestus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Blue Botia Yasuhikotakia modesta Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Amazon Leaffish Monocirrhus polyacanthus Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–84°F (23–29°C) Bintan Licorice Gourami Parosphromenus bintan Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Intermediate ≤ 1" (≤ 2.6 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Blue Striped Rivulus Killifish Rivulus xiphidius Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm) 72–77°F (22–25°C)

FAQ

How large does Burmese Spotted Snakehead get?

Burmese Spotted Snakehead reaches ≤ 9.8" (≤ 25 cm). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.

What aquarium size does Burmese Spotted Snakehead need?

Use an aquarium of at least 106 US gal (400 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.

Is Burmese Spotted Snakehead peaceful?

Burmese Spotted Snakehead should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive behavior can limit companion options.

Should Burmese Spotted Snakehead be kept alone or in a group?

Burmese Spotted Snakehead: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.