Channa Lucius

Datasheet

General Description

The Forest Snakehead, scientifically known as Channa Lucius, belongs to the Perciformes order and the Channidae family. This species is recognized for its distinct appearance, often referred to as 'splendid' or 'shiny,' and is commonly known as a snakehead due to the large scales on its head resembling those of a snake. Forest Snakeheads possess supplementary breathing apparatus that allows them to breathe atmospheric air, enabling them to survive in hypoxic conditions or out of the water for extended periods.

Aquarium Setup

The Forest Snakehead thrives in a dimly-lit aquarium that should be at least 540 litres in size, with ample hiding spots created by live plants, driftwood branches, terracotta pipes, and plant pots. Maintaining surface vegetation like Ceratopteris spp. is beneficial as it encourages the fish to be more visible and less likely to hide. It is crucial to have a tightly-fitting cover with a gap above the water surface to provide access to a layer of humid air, as these species are notorious for their escapability.

Behaviour

This snakehead species is a generalist and has been found in various habitats, although it tends to avoid rapid currents, favoring forest swamps and tributaries. Forest Snakeheads can tolerate hypoxic conditions due to their ability to breathe atmospheric air, often seen surfacing to gulp air in aquarium settings.

Feeding and Diet

As obligate predators, Forest Snakeheads predominantly feed on smaller fish and insects in the wild but can adapt to dead alternatives in captivity. While younger specimens can be fed chironomid larvae, small earthworms, and chopped prawns, adults accept fish flesh, prawns, shrimp, mussels, and earthworms. Avoid feeding mammalian or avian meat like beef heart or chicken, as they contain lipids that may lead to health issues in the fish.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Forest Snakeheads are biparental free spawners, with the eggs floating at the water's surface after spawning. Both male and female fish remain with the fry for an extended period, showing parental care and protection.

Habitat and Distribution

Native to regions extending from the Mekong River system through Indochina and the Greater Sunda Islands, the Forest Snakehead is commonly found in habitats such as forest swamps and tributaries. The species has been recorded in countries like Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and other surrounding islands.