Goldspotted snakehead
Channa aurantimaculata
Parameter dashboard
10-28 °C
6-8
40 cm
15 years
Care guide
The golden cobra snakehead is a stunning medium-to-large predatory fish from the Brahmaputra River basin in Assam, India. It displays a beautiful pattern of golden spots against a dark background, with adults reaching about 40 cm. This is a subtropical species, not a true tropical fish, a distinction that is critical for its long-term health and longevity.
The single most important aspect of golden cobra snakehead care is providing a seasonal temperature cycle. The published range runs from 10 to 28 °C, which is wide because the fish is kept seasonally: around 22 to 26 °C through summer, then rested cool over winter. Skipping that cool rest shortens its life. Maintaining tropical temperatures year-round leads to lethargy, health problems, and ultimately lethal bacterial infections. The aquarium must be securely covered with a heavy lid, as snakeheads are obligate air breathers and notorious escape artists.
A minimum tank size of 540 litres is required, with a sandy substrate (they like to dig), plenty of cover including driftwood, rocky caves, dense planting, and floating plants. Water parameters should be pH 6.0-8.0 with moderate hardness. This species is an aggressive, highly territorial predator best kept singly or as a bonded pair raised together from juvenile stock. It should not be combined with small tankmates. Offer varied meaty foods and adjust portions and feeding frequency to body condition and seasonal activity. The golden cobra snakehead is strictly for experienced keepers who can provide the specialised conditions it requires.
Sources
- seriouslyfish.com — https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/channa-aurantimaculata/
- fishbase.se — https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Channa-aurantimaculata.html
Further reading on identification and aquarium care.
Tankmate compatibility (sample)
Pairwise screening against other species in the database (prioritizing the same family when data is available).
Review first (6)
Caution or avoid from automated rules — confirm before mixing.
| Species | Assessment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Assamese snakehead Channa stewartii Caution | Caution | close relatives, and one of them is territorial, so both claim the same kind of space Open pair in Compare → |
| Bluefinned snakehead Channa bleheri Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · close relatives, and one of them is territorial, so both claim the same kind of space Open pair in Compare → |
| Colored snakehead Channa pulchra Caution | Caution | Multiple territorial species in the same swim layer cause stress · close relatives, and one of them is territorial, so both claim the same kind of space Open pair in Compare → |
| Indonesian snakehead Channa micropeltes Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · close relatives, and one of them is territorial, so both claim the same kind of space Open pair in Compare → |
| Small snakehead Channa asiatica Caution | Caution | Multiple territorial species in the same swim layer cause stress · close relatives, and one of them is territorial, so both claim the same kind of space Open pair in Compare → |
| Walking snakehead Channa orientalis Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · Multiple territorial species in the same swim layer cause stress · close relatives, and one of them is territorial, so both claim the same kind of space Open pair in Compare → |
Same rule engine as Compare. Not a substitute for observation, tank size, or acclimation.
Related species
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