Ocellated Snakehead

Care requirements

Care level: Advanced.

Lifespan: 8–12 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 900 L or larger / ≥ 240 cm (≥ 94.5 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–28 °C, pH 5.5–7, GH 1–10 dGH, KH 0–6 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Ocellated Snakehead needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Plant safe

Yes

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.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Feed earthworms, prawns, mussels, insects and other appropriately sized meaty foods. Avoid feeder fish and mammalian or avian meat.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Sumatra and Borneo.

Natural habitat: Blackwater and clear-water habitats in Sumatra and Borneo. The species is an obligate air-breather and regularly visits the surface.

Breeding notes

Breeding difficulty: Advanced.

Channa pleurophthalma is one of the more aggregation-tolerant snakeheads, but that does not make mixed or crowded housing predictable. Adult compatibility can change rapidly. Provide substantial open floor area, visual barriers and surface access. Check local law before purchase because snakeheads are regulated or prohibited in some jurisdictions.

Before adding this fish

• Plan for an aquarium of 900 L or larger / ≥ 240 cm (≥ 94.5 in) minimum length.
• Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
• Offer a varied diet that matches this species.