CHANNA ANDRAO

Channa andrao

Channa Andrao is the smallest species of the Snakeheads (maximum 11 centimetres). Channa Andrao is also the most peaceful member of the family. This species can be combined very well with other fish species as long as they do no fit in their mouth or are non-aggressive.

Male grow larger and are more colourful than females.

Channa Andrao is often offered under the names  C. sp. ‘Lal Cheng’, C. sp. ‘Assam’, C. sp. ‘blue bleheri’, C. sp. ‘himalayanus’, and C. sp. ‘red’. Channa Andrao is sometimes confused with C. Bleheri. C. Andrao lacks the first pectoral fin.

Channa Andrao is endemic to the Brahmaputra river, northwest Inda (Jalpaigur region), in a swamp in the vicinity of Barobisha town. This habitat displays dramatic seasonal fluctuations in temperature, water volume and flow. Water temperature drops in winter to 19 degrees C en raises in summer to a range of 22-28 degrees C. During the winter a large part of the habitat dries out. Channa Andrao pulls back in buried burrows, with a maintained water level. Most of the time one burrow is occupied by one couple only. These observations have led to the false name Channa amphibious. Hunting en breeding finds place during the warm summer season, after a heavy monsoon flood.

The aquarium

An dim-lighted aquarium with dense planted area, open swimming places and with a lot of place to shelter. Use a tighly fitting hood since channa species are true escape artists. A gap between the waters surface and the hood is needed since they need to breath from the surface

Keep the temperature in summer at a maximum of 22-24 degrees C. In winter season this species requires a drop in temperature to 15-20 degrees C. In this period less food is required.  A cool period is neccesary for good health: maintaining a high temperature often leads to general weakness and (lethal) bacterial infections.

Keeping this species with a slightly lower PH level seems to result in more distinct colours.

Channa Androa can be kept as a couple of as a group. For keeping a group a larger aquarium is needed. Although Channa Andrao tends to be peaceful by nature, confrontations between adult conspecifics will take place, so many hiding places are required. These confrontations, however, are never violent.

Feeding

Carnivorous. All kind of living fish food is accepted like artemia, bloodworm, mosquito larvae,  shrimps, insects, snails and especially earthworm. Often, (pieces of) fish are refused. Frozen and dried pallets are accepted.

Breeding Channa andrao

Combining a male and female may not automatically lead to a couple. Best is to maintain a group until a couple has formed. First, lower the water temperature. Breeding is initiated by a longer period of a higher temperature and postponed water changes en upkeeping.

After courtship and laying of the eggs, the male collects the egg in the mouth. Within 3-5 days (sometimes longer) the eggs will hatch. The female continues to produce eggs that will not be fertilised and serve for feeding the youngsters. The parental care continues for a period of 2-3 weeks.