Orange Spotted Snakehead

Channa aurantimaculata

Orange Spotted Snakehead is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.

AggressiveBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 40 cm (≤ 15.7 in)
Aquarium size: 600 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 10–28 °C
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 15 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 15 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 600 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 10–28 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Orange 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.

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

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: India.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 600 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

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 ≤ 105 cm (≤ 41.3 in) 10–28 °C Barred Bichir Polypterus delhezi Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 35 cm (≤ 13.8 in) 24–30 °C Aurora Cichlid Maylandia aurora Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 24–27 °C Black Sharkminnow Labeo chrysophekadion Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 90 cm (≤ 35.4 in) 20–26 °C Blackberry Silver Dollar Myloplus schomburgkii Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar size Intermediate ≤ 40 cm (≤ 15.7 in) 23–27 °C Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar temperature range Intermediate ≤ 22 cm (≤ 8.7 in) 26–32 °C

FAQ

How large does Orange Spotted Snakehead get?

Orange Spotted Snakehead reaches ≤ 40 cm (≤ 15.7 in). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Orange Spotted Snakehead need?

Use an aquarium of at least 600 L or larger / ≥ 180 cm (≥ 70.9 in) minimum length.

Is Orange Spotted Snakehead peaceful?

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

What temperature is suitable for Orange Spotted Snakehead?

Keep it between 10 to 28 °C.