Burmese Snakehead

Channa burmanica is a medium-to-large snakehead from river drainages in upper Myanmar, where it inhabits clear to moderately turbid hill streams and associated floodplains. Its patterning is attractive — a background of warm brown is overlaid with irregular orange-tinged blotches and dark reticulations. Adults are impressive fish that command attention in a species aquarium.

As a larger Channa reaching up to 35 cm, C. burmanica requires a substantial aquarium. It is a top-order predator and cannot be kept with any fish small enough to serve as prey. The species is an air-breather and needs access to warm, humid air above the water surface at all times.

C. burmanica is for experienced keepers only. Despite its demanding size and predatory nature, it becomes highly interactive with its keeper and can be hand-tamed to accept fresh or frozen foods directly.

Water: 20-28°C, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard — Myanmar hill stream parameters. Tank: 300 L minimum for an adult; very tight lid with heavy weights; minimal planting. Feeding: large earthworms, feeder shrimp, fish chunks, and frozen smelt; avoid feeder fish. Breeding: not commonly bred in captivity; requires large species tank and careful pair conditioning. Compatibility: species-only; all tankmates will be eaten.