Channa Sp. 'Fire And Ice'

Datasheet

General Description

The Channa Sp. 'Fire And Ice' is an unidentified species of the Snakehead family Channidae, recognizable by its red and blue color pattern on the head. It features patches of vivid red pigmentation around the eyes and mouth, with a thick, reddish marginal band on the caudal fin. This species is a smaller Channa, reaching a maximum size of 15.0cm, and possesses large scales on the head typical of snakeheads. An interesting characteristic of the Channidae family is the presence of supplementary breathing chambers that allow them to breathe atmospheric air.

Aquarium Setup

A species-specific setup is recommended for the Channa Sp. 'Fire And Ice' with a minimum tank size of 120 litres. The ideal aquarium should be dimly-lit, providing plenty of cover such as live plants, driftwood branches, and terracotta pipes to create hiding spots and shaded areas. Surface vegetation like Ceratopteris spp. is beneficial and helps reduce the need for excessive hiding. Ensuring a tightly-fitting cover is essential as Channa species are known for their escape abilities, with a gap left between the cover and water surface to allow access to a layer of humid air.

Behaviour

When young, Channa Sp. 'Fire And Ice' can be housed together, but as they reach sexual maturity, they tend to display highly aggressive behavior towards one another. If a pair forms, they are typically peaceful with each other but show hostility towards other conspecifics. It is advisable to keep them in a species-specific aquarium to avoid potential aggression issues.

Feeding and Diet

As an obligate predator, the Channa Sp. 'Fire And Ice' primarily feeds on smaller fish and insects in the wild. In captivity, they can adapt to various dead alternatives, with some specimens accepting dried foods, although these should not form the staple of their diet. Young fish can be offered chironomid larvae, small earthworms, and prawns, while adults can be fed fish flesh, shrimp, mussels, and larger earthworms. Avoid feeding them mammalian or avian meat and live feeder fish, as these can pose health risks and provide low nutritional value.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Channa Sp. 'Fire And Ice' is a paternal mouthbrooder and has been successfully bred in captivity. This species exhibits dimorphism, with males and females likely showing differences in coloration or size, although specific details may vary within individuals.

Habitat and Distribution

Limited information suggests that the Channa Sp. 'Fire And Ice' is collected in the border region between Myanmar and western Thailand, likely from tributaries within the Salween river system. The exact distribution and habitat preferences of this species require further research to better understand its natural environment.