Channa Burmanica

Datasheet

General Description

Channa burmanica, commonly known as the Burmese snakehead, is a rare species in the aquarium trade. It belongs to the family Channidae and lacks pelvic fins. Typically, this species has 51 lateral line scales, 38 dorsal-fin rays, 28 anal-fin rays, and 12 caudal-fin rays. Its appearance includes dark and light bands on the pectoral fins and white-tipped dorsal and anal fin rays. The species is characterized by orangey-brown patches of color between the eye and upper lip on each side of the head, adding to its unique features. The Channidae family, to which the Burmese snakehead belongs, earned the common name "snakeheads" due to large scales on the head resembling those of snakes.

Aquarium Setup

The Burmese snakehead thrives in a dimly-lit aquarium environment with surface vegetation like Ceratopteris species and submerged cover. To prevent escape, a tightly-fitting hood must be used, leaving a gap between it and the water surface to provide access to a layer of humid air for the snakehead. A minimum tank size of 240 litres is recommended, along with water conditions maintaining a hardness of 36-357ppm, pH between 6.0-8.0, and a temperature range of 10-22 degrees Celsius.

Behaviour

Members of the Channidae family, including C. burmanica, possess suprabranchial chambers that allow them to breathe atmospheric air. This adaptative feature enables them to survive in hypoxic conditions and even out of the water for extended periods. In aquarium settings, these snakeheads are often observed rising to the water's surface to gulp air, showcasing their unique respiratory behavior.

Feeding and Diet

Channa burmanica is an obligate predator feeding primarily on smaller fish and insects in its natural habitat. In captivity, they adapt well to various food sources, including chironomid larvae, earthworms, prawns, and fish flesh. It's important to avoid feeding them mammalian or avian meat like beef heart or chicken to prevent excess fat deposits and organ degeneration. Live feeder fish should also be avoided due to the risk of introducing parasites or diseases.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Specific details regarding the reproduction and dimorphism of Channa burmanica are not readily available in the provided information.

Habitat and Distribution

The Burmese snakehead is endemic to the headwaters of the Ayeyarwaddy/Irrawaddy River in northern Myanmar, specifically found between the Kumon and Shan-ngaw mountain ranges. Its range is primarily concentrated in the Mali Hka drainage area, one of the main tributaries forming the Ayeyarwaddy north of Myitkyina. The species' type locality is documented as the Sen-Bin-Ti River in Putao plains, northeastern Myanmar. The natural habitat of C. burmanica experiences monsoon-influenced, humid, subtropical climate conditions, with average air temperatures ranging between 13.1-25.9 degrees Celsius and a distinct wet season from April to October.