Peacock Snakehead

Channa pulchra

Peacock 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
≤ 25 cm (≤ 9.8 in)
Aquarium size
300 L or larger / ≥ 140 cm (≥ 55.1 in) minimum length
Care level
Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament
Aggressive
Swimming zone
Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature
20–25 °C
pH
6.5–8
GH
2–10 dGH
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
up to 10 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 10 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 300 L or larger / ≥ 140 cm (≥ 55.1 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–25 °C, pH 6.5–8, GH 2–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Peacock 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: Myanmar.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 300 L or larger / ≥ 140 cm (≥ 55.1 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 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 Blue Dolphin Cichlid Cyrtocara moorii Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar size Intermediate ≤ 25 cm (≤ 9.8 in) 23–28 °C Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3 cm (≤ 1.2 in) 22–27 °C Arulius Barb Dawkinsia tambraparniei Similar care level Same swimming zone Similar temperature range Intermediate ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 18–22 °C

FAQ

How large does Peacock Snakehead get?

Peacock Snakehead reaches ≤ 25 cm (≤ 9.8 in). Allow for adult swimming space, filtration, and compatible companions.

What aquarium size does Peacock Snakehead need?

Use an aquarium of at least 300 L or larger / ≥ 140 cm (≥ 55.1 in) minimum length.

Is Peacock Snakehead peaceful?

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

What temperature is suitable for Peacock Snakehead?

Keep it between 20 to 25 °C.

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