Our Guide To Keeping Rao's Snakehead Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Channa andrao
   • Common name: Rao's Snakehead, Blue Dwarf Snakehead
   • Family: Channidae
   • Origin: Northeast India (Assam region)
   • Adult length: 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches)
   • Lifespan: 5 to 10 years

2. Tank Setup:

   • Rao's Snakehead prefers a tank with a soft substrate and plenty of hiding spots such as driftwood, rocks, and dense vegetation.
   • A minimum tank size of 100L (26 gallons) is recommended to provide sufficient space for these active and territorial fish.
   • Ensure the tank has a secure lid as Channa andrao are known to be excellent jumpers.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Rao's Snakehead thrives in slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
   • Maintain water temperature between 22 to 26°C (72 to 79°F).
   • Soft to moderately hard water is ideal, with a general hardness (GH) of 4 to 10 dGH.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • A gentle water flow is ideal for Channa andrao, as they prefer calm waters similar to their natural habitat.
   • Use a filter that provides gentle filtration to avoid strong currents in the tank.

5. Diet:

   • Rao's Snakehead is carnivorous and thrives on a diet of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, small fish, and insects.
   • They can also be fed high-quality pellets formulated for carnivorous fish, but live foods should remain a significant part of their diet to encourage natural hunting behavior.

6. Tank mates:

   • Due to their territorial nature, Rao's Snakehead is best kept either alone or in a species-only setup, especially in smaller tanks.
   • If keeping with other species, choose peaceful and similarly sized fish that are fast enough to avoid potential aggression.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Channa andrao are known for their territorial and sometimes aggressive behavior, especially during breeding.
   • They are generally shy and reclusive but can become more active and confident with proper tank setup and minimal disturbances.
   • Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or fin-nipping species to prevent stress and potential injury.