Blue rainbow snakehead

Blue rainbow snakehead key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 14.2 cm TL (FishBase)

Temperature

14〜28℃

Diet

Carnivore (frozen bloodworm, prawn, fish pieces)

Water Temperature & Quality

14-28°C, pH 6.0-8.0, 2-20 dGH (Seriously Fish). Do not keep it at a constant temperature; provide a cooler winter, during which it needs little food.

Aquarium

Seriously Fish suggests an 80 x 30 cm footprint. Keep lighting dim with floating plants, cover and leaf litter. A notorious escape artist, it needs a gap-free lid with an air layer above the water.

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Best kept in a species tank, though peaceful non-territorial companions may work. Mature fish become aggressive to each other, females often more so.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous: give juveniles bloodworm, small earthworms and chopped prawn, and adults fish strips, prawns and mussels. Do not rely on dried foods.

Breeding & Egg-laying

A paternal mouthbrooder bred regularly in captivity. Let a pair form from 6-8 young fish. The female feeds free-swimming fry with unfertilised eggs, and brood care lasts several weeks.

Health & Cautions

It may be sold under other species' names, so check for orange spots on the tail and the number of dark bands on the pectoral fin. It weakens without access to air at the surface.

About Blue rainbow snakehead

Channa andrao, the Blue rainbow snakehead: a small northeast Indian snakehead with blue fins, up to 14.2 cm. Needs a cool winter; for intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Blue rainbow snakehead

1. 1Best for intermediate keepers

   This species is rated for intermediate keepers. Because it needs a seasonal change with cooler water in winter, you cannot manage it the same way all year round, which can be a hurdle for beginners. Some experience with tropical fish or small predatory fish will make setup easier.

2. 2Cool the water in winter

   This species needs a seasonal change in which the water is cooled down in winter. Rather than holding a single temperature all year, plan for equipment that lets you both cool and warm the tank as the seasons change. Ask the seller about the specific temperature range before you bring one home.

3. 3Always use a snug lid

   Snakeheads breathe air and come to the surface, and they may jump out when startled. Fit the tank with a snug lid and close off any gaps around cable holes. Leave some air space between the water surface and the lid so the fish can breathe at the surface.

4. 4A meat-based diet

   Snakeheads are carnivorous, so animal-based foods form the core of the diet. Preferences and familiarity with prepared foods vary from fish to fish, so ask what the individual is currently eating. Some fish do not feed right after arrival, so offer food gradually and watch how they respond.

5. 5Choose tank mates carefully

   Even though it is small, it is a predator, so fish and shrimp small enough to fit in its mouth may be eaten. Territorial disputes can also occur between members of the same species. If you plan to keep more than one, make sure the tank is roomy and has plenty of hiding places, and decide with care.

6. 6Males are mouthbrooders

   Males of this species brood the eggs and fry in their mouths, and it has been bred many times in captivity. To breed it, raise 6–8 juveniles together and let pairs form. Once the fry are free-swimming, the female lays unfertilized eggs for them to eat, and parental care continues for several weeks.

7. 7What to check on arrival

   The missing pelvic fins are a natural trait of this species, not an injury or defect. Check the body color, the condition of the fins, how the fish moves, and whether it is eating. Prepare the tank, lid, and temperature control before it arrives, and because lifespan information is scarce, make sure you can commit to caring for it to the end.

Frequently asked questions about Blue rainbow snakehead

Q.Can a beginner keep this fish?

A.It is rated for intermediate keepers. It needs a seasonal change with cooler winter water, so it is better to gain some experience with tropical fish first.

Q.How long does it live?

A.There is little published information on lifespan, so no reliable figure can be given. When you get one, asking the seller about its background can be helpful.

Q.Can I keep the temperature the same all year?

A.This species is said to need a seasonal change with cooler water in winter. Rather than holding one temperature all year, vary it with the seasons. Ask the seller for the specific temperatures to use.

Q.Are the missing pelvic fins a sign of illness?

A.No. Lacking pelvic fins is a natural feature of this species, not an injury or disease. On arrival, judge its health by other signs such as body color, fin condition, and whether it is eating.

Q.Can it live with other fish?

A.Because it is carnivorous, fish and shrimp small enough to fit in its mouth may be eaten. Members of the same species can also fight over territory, so decide on tank mates carefully and only after providing enough space and hiding places.

Useful tools for Blue rainbow snakehead care

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