Rainbow Snakehead

Channa bleheri, the Rainbow Snakehead, was described by Vierke in 1991 from the Brahmaputra drainage in Assam, India. It is widely regarded as the most beautiful species in the genus, with large, sail-like dorsal and anal fins patterned in vivid orange and teal-green over a silver-grey body marked with irregular dark blotches. At 15 cm it is among the smallest snakeheads, making it a relatively manageable specialist aquarium fish compared with its giant relatives.

Like all snakeheads, Channa bleheri is an obligate air-breather and must have access to humid air above the water surface. It is a territorial predator that should not be kept with fish small enough to swallow, but adults pairs or a group of juveniles can coexist in sufficiently large and structured aquariums. The species naturally experiences cool winters in Assam and benefits from a seasonal temperature drop.

Breeding has been achieved numerous times in captivity. Pairs form a stable bond and perform open water spawning, with both parents guarding the egg cluster and subsequent fry. Conditioning on meaty live and frozen foods and providing a large, structured aquarium with stable pairs induces spawning.

Water: 18–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; seasonal cooling beneficial. Tank: 200 L minimum; large structured aquarium; tight-fitting lid essential (jumper). Feeding: Carnivore; earthworms, prawns, fish pieces, large pellets, frozen lance fish. Breeding: Open-water spawner; biparental guarding; condition on meaty foods. Compatibility: Keep with fish too large to eat; no other snakeheads except established pairs.