Channa Maculata

Datasheet

General Description

The Blotched Snakehead, scientifically known as Channa Maculata, is often confused with C. argus but can be distinguished by characteristics such as dorsal-fin rays numbering 38-45, anal fin rays 26-29, and lateral line scales 50-56. Belonging to the family Channidae, these fish are termed "snakeheads" due to their large scales resembling those found on snakes. With over 30 valid species, there is potential for greater diversity within the group. All Channa spp. possess supplementary breathing apparatus in the form of paired suprabranchial chambers, enabling them to breathe atmospheric air and survive hypoxic conditions or out-of-water periods.

Aquarium Setup

The Blotched Snakehead thrives in aquariums resembling their natural habitat, with silty substrates, slow-running rivers, and dense aquatic vegetation. These fish can grow up to 30.0cm in size and are widely distributed across southeastern China's Pacific coastal drainages, including locations such as the Yangtze and Pearl rivers, as well as Vietnam. They are adaptable feeders, consuming invertebrates, amphibians, and small fish in the wild, but can transition to dead alternatives in captivity, including chironomid larvae, earthworms, prawns, and fish flesh. It's crucial to avoid mammalian or avian meat in their diet and not offer fatty foods more than once a week.

Behaviour

Blotched Snakeheads are biparental free spawners, engaging in courtship similar to anabantoids. During breeding, no bubble nests are constructed; instead, several thousand eggs float at the water's surface, guarded by both male and female. These fish can hybridize with C. argus, a common occurrence in aquaculture.

Feeding and Diet

In captivity, juvenile Blotched Snakeheads can be fed bloodworms, chopped prawn, and small earthworms, while adults accept a variety of foods like fish flesh, prawns, mussels, and larger earthworms. They can also consume small insects like crickets or fruit flies, preferably after feeding the insects fish flakes or vegetables. Adults do not require daily feeding and should not be given fatty foods more than once a week.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

These snakeheads partake in biparental free spawning, with males and females embracing during courtship without bubble nest construction. The species can hybridize with C. argus. In terms of dimorphism, differences between sexes are not prominently noted in the available information.

Habitat and Distribution

Blotched Snakeheads prefer still or slow-running rivers with silty substrates and dense aquatic vegetation. Their distribution spans southeastern China's Pacific coastal drainages, including the Yangtze and Pearl rivers, Hainan Island, Hong Kong, and parts of Vietnam. They have also been introduced to countries such as Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Madagascar, and Hawaii.