Colored snakehead
Channa pulchra
Parameter dashboard
18-25 °C
6-7.5
30 cm
10 years
Care guide
The peacock snakehead, also known as the beautiful snakehead or Myanmar beautiful snakehead, is a striking species endemic to the Kyeinthali Chaung River system in the Rakhine State of Myanmar. It displays a mesmerising pattern of iridescent spots and bands against a dark background, with males developing particularly vibrant colouration during the breeding season. Adults reach 25-30 cm (10-12 inches), making it a medium-sized snakehead well-suited to dedicated aquarists with appropriate space.
This species is aggressive and strongly territorial — it is not a community fish and should be maintained alone or as a paired group in a species-only setup. Juveniles can be raised together but will begin to pair off as they mature, at which point surplus fish must be removed to prevent fatal conflict. A single adult requires a minimum of 300 litres with a sand substrate, plentiful hiding places formed from driftwood and rocks, and dense planting including floating vegetation. A tightly-sealing lid is absolutely mandatory since Channa species are obligate air-breathers and notorious escape artists.
Maintain the recommended seasonal temperature cycle, soft to moderately hard water and stable water quality. Diet is carnivorous: earthworms, shrimp, crickets, and carnivore pellets. Unlike some snakeheads, this species is a cave brooder: the male collects floating eggs and deposits them in a cave, where both parents guard the fry. The peacock snakehead is a challenging but deeply rewarding species for the experienced keeper.
Sources
- aquainfo.nl — https://aquainfo.nl/en/article/channa-pulchra-peacock-snakehead/
- fishkeeper.co.uk — https://www.fishkeeper.co.uk/fish/freshwater/anabantids/peacock-snakehead
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 | close relatives, and one of them is territorial, so both claim the same kind of space Open pair in Compare → |
| Goldspotted snakehead Channa aurantimaculata 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 · the two share only a narrow band of temperature, so one of them sits at the edge of its range · 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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