Breeding Dwarf Snakehead (Channa Gachua) In The Aquarium

Dwarf Snakehead, Asian Snakehead, Mudfish, Ngiao fish, Antennarum snakehead, Gaucha, Colombo snakehead, Ngiao snakehead

Distribution

The dwarf snakehead is a freshwater species that, in natural conditions, inhabits mountain streams, larger rivers, canals as well as standing water reservoirs, flooded or swampy areas from western Afghanistan, through Central and Southern Asia, to Indonesia. It is a migratory species, easily moving from place to place with a series of jumps (it also jumps on dry land).

Physical Appearance

Due to the variety of habitats these fish inhabit in their natural environment, their coloring varies, resulting in a variety of colorful varieties in trade. Their taxonomic classification is not yet clearly systematized and it may soon turn out that the described species is actually a group of similar species, not differently colored varieties/populations. This species, like others in this family, is characterized by its elongated, torpedo-like body shape with a flattened head, large scales resembling snake scales, a wide dorsal fin (32-37 rays) and anal fin (20-23 rays), a large mouth hole equipped with sharp teeth, above which is a single pair of mustaches and an additional respiratory device allowing them to breathe atmospheric air (an opisthobranch organ). The most popular dwarf snakehead varieties have a beige-creamy or gray-olive body color, with darker, but poorly visible, marble-like spots all over the body. The rays of all fins are clearly visible, and its fins: dorsal, tail and anal are edged in red or yellow and white. The pectoral fins have black transverse stripes at the base. This species is often confused with Channa orientalis, which is an endemic species to Sri Lanka and unlike the dwarf snakehead, it lacks ventral fins. Males can be recognized by their more impressive dorsal and anal fins, and during spawning they have more intense colors. Females, on the other hand, are larger than males and fuller in the belly parts.

Temperament

The dwarf snakehead is an aggressive and territorial fish towards its own species (males to each other after reaching sexual maturity). A formed pair from the herd live in harmony, during spawning they become more aggressive towards other fish. The aggression and territorialism of fish can be somewhat mitigated by systematically changing the arrangement of the aquarium interior, e.g. during water changes. By nature, it is a predator that hunts insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish in its natural environment at night. Never feed fish with mammalian or poultry meat - such a diet results in fish liver obesity and leads to serious gastrointestinal ailments. The dwarf snakehead should be kept in a species aquarium - young fish are very sociable, older ones live alone or in pairs. If we intend to place it in a communal tank, we should choose suitable size fish as co-habitations (so that they do not end up as a snack), non-territorial and peaceful ones.

Aquarium

The species prefers spacious aquariums - longer than taller, in which the water depth should not be less than 30 cm. The tank should be heavily planted with numerous hiding places among the roots and branches, full of nooks and crannies created from rocks, plant pot shells or clay pipes. Weak and scattered lighting - floating plants will facilitate this. The aquarium must be tightly covered, as these fish will gladly take any opportunity to escape - they are very jumpy. Regular water changes are not mandatory, but recommended.

Breeding

The species is oviparous. During breeding, we should not mix different varieties with each other, as the fish crossbreed. Pairs select themselves from a larger herd and form long-lasting bonds, even for life. It is best to transfer the selected pair to a separate, breeding aquarium. The seduction and mating dance precedes spawning - displaying fins and protruding throats by fish. During spawning, the female is under the male upside down and every 1-2 minutes releases a batch of eggs, which the male immediately fertilizes - a total of 20-200 grains of roe (depending on the parents' experience and specific variety). The male collects the laid eggs into his mouth hole and there the larvae are incubated - 5-7 days (the dwarf snakehead belongs to mouth-breeders). The female takes over the role of territory guard and chases away all unwanted intruders (watch out for fingers). Parents also take care of the fry, which stick close to the base of the male's tail, and in case of danger hide in his mouth. As long as parents stay together with offspring in the same aquarium, there will be no subsequent spawning between them.