Golden Cobra Snakehead (Channa aurantimaculata)

From The Aquarium Wiki
Revision as of 19:47, 19 October 2013 by Catxx (talk | contribs)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to: navigation, search

Golden Cobra Snakehead

Channa aurantimaculata 2364.jpg
Golden Cobra Snakehead

Channa aurantimaculata

454 Litres (120 US G.)

35.6-50.8cm (14-20 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.0 - 7.5

15.6-27.8°C (60 -82 °F)

5-20 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Live Foods
Other (See article)

8-12 years

Family

Channidae



Additional names

Golden Cobra Snakehead, Orangespot Snakehead


Origin

Endemic to India.

Sexing

Male has a broader head from a birds-eye-view. Males also have a higher dorsal arch with a broader blue band on the dorsal fin.

Tank compatibility

This species is best kept alone; either as a single fish or a pair. Because of their size and aggression, as well as being sub-tropical, tank mates are not recommended.

Diet

In the wild, these fish are primarily insectivores. Their diet should consist of mealworms, crickets, beetles, etc., but baby crayfish, small snails, krill, will help to round out the diet.

Feeding regime

In the warmer seasons, feeding two to three times per week should be plenty. In the cooler months, feeding once every week or two will be fine.

Environment Specifics

These fish are sub-tropical. They require a winter season reaching around 16.7-18.3°C (62-65°F) and a summer season reaching around 26.7-27.8°C (80-82°F) . If kept at tropical temperatures all year round, they often become fat and develop cloudy eyes and fungus. Gill problems are common as well.
A sandy substrate is better than gravel as this fish tends to like digging in the aquarium. For this reason plants should be suitably weighed down or the roots covered with stones to prevent being uprooted. Bogwood and smooth stones also make for nice features.

Behaviour

Aggressive and territorial, best kept alone or with a mate in a big tank.

Identification

One of the most colourful Snakeheads it is easy to distinguish from the others. This fish usually has brown markings down its back and sides with blue veins running through the top of their head, the rest of the body is generally gold and flecked with blue.

Pictures

External links