Introduction
The colored snakehead, described in 2007, is a species of snakehead fish endemic to northern Myanmar. Its scientific name, derived from the Latin pulcher ('beautiful'), refers to its elegant coloration punctuated with dark and orangish spots. It is found exclusively in the headwater areas of the Kyeinthali Chaung river, in the Rakhine State.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size25 cm
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Maximum size30 cm
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Longevity12 year
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Average size25 cm
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Maximum size30 cm
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Longevity12 year
How to recognize This fish ?
The colored snakehead reaches approximately 30 cm. It has an elongated body with a circular cross-section and distinctive coloration: small black spots on the cheeks, a series of narrow white half-circle bands on the pectoral fins, a marked dark spot on the front of the dorsal fin, and several small orangish marks on the sides. The body is covered with numerous fine black dots, making it clearly distinct from other similar species.
Sexual dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism is subtle. Adult females are generally more robust, while males may display sharper color contrasts during the breeding season.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving as a couple or alone
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territorialYes
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Way of livingdiurnal
Carnivorous species, the colored snakehead primarily feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates. It hunts by ambush in calm areas or along the edges of currents, utilizing its camouflage. Its ability for aerial respiration allows it to survive in changing environments, although it prefers fresh and well-oxygenated waters.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare oeufs flottants
There is limited data available, but like other mid-sized Channa species, it is likely mouthbrooding. This ensures parental protection for the eggs and larvae during the early stages of development.
Harmless species
No known danger to humans.
Origin and distribution
Geographic distribution & Conservation
The species is restricted to the upper reaches of the Kyeinthali Chaung river in the Rakhine State, Myanmar. Its limited range and the pressures on forested watercourses (deforestation, agriculture, habitat alteration) make it vulnerable in the long term. The species is sometimes captured for the aquarium trade, which could pose an additional local threat if harvesting is not regulated.
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature18 - 25 °C
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pH (acidity)6 - 7
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gh (hardness)5 - 15
Biotope presentation
The colored snakehead inhabits clear, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated mountain streams, often shaded by riparian vegetation. These habitats feature cool waters, a substrate of pebbles and gravel, and an environment typical of foothill forest zones.
Main recommendations for fishkeeping
Deontology
In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.
Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.
We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.
Our recommendations
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Min volume300 liters
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Population min1
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Temperature18 - 25 °C
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pH (acidity)6 - 7
Characteristics
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Difficulty breedinghard
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Robustnesstolerant
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Behaviourslightly aggressive
Recommended equipment from our partners
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Aquarium
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Filtration
General reminders
It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.
In nature, animals are subject to weather conditions and live in waters with variable characteristics. The recommendations offered by our team for aquarium maintenance are a guidance and cannot be assimilated to scientific datas.
General reminder on maintenance datas
Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.
Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.
Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.
Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.
En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Une eau trop dure ou trop calcaire peut être inadaptée à de nombreuses espèces tropicales d’eau douce. Si nécessaire, vous pouvez la couper avec de l’eau osmosée ou de pluie filtrée afin d’obtenir une dureté plus adaptée aux besoins de vos poissons et de vos plantes. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.
Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.
Specific needs for the Colored snakehead
The Colored snakehead is a species which lives naturally at a temperature between 18 °C and 25 °C. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month.
The Colored snakehead is a species whose maintenance is rather reserved for informed aquarists . It can only be successfully carried out by carrying out a minimum of documentation work. Special husbandry conditions can easily lead to the death of the species or other animals.
Jumping fish
Be careful, the Colored snakehead is an excellent jumper, naturally using this faculty to change its living area or to escape from predators. The aquarium must be perfectly covered to prevent him from making a deadly jump...
Cohabitation & Environment
This fish being a predatory species, it is recommended to maintain it in a specific environment, without other species. Indeed, any crustacean or fish of lower size will become a potential prey. A 300 liter aquarium with at least 140 cm of frontage is the minimum recommended for its maintenance. If you still try to associate it with other species, the cohabitants must be of a size at least comparable to the predator in a much larger volume. The aquarium can be provided with many hiding places and a large space to allow each individual to find refuge if necessary.
Tips for feeding
The Colored snakehead is carnivorous.
This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.
Feed animals in moderation to maintain good water quality. Meals should be eaten within 2–3 minutes, served in several small portions rather than a single large ration.
Uneaten food quickly decomposes, releasing ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which disturb the aquarium’s biological balance.
Make sure each species can access food properly, slower or bottom-dwelling individuals may require targeted feeding.Reproduction protocol
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Maintenance difficultyhard
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egg-laying protectionNo
Hybridization risks
In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.
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To go further
Espèces du même genre
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Scientific partners
Same genus
