Product Details

Blue Dwarf Snakehead – Channa andrao

The Blue Dwarf Snakehead is a small, colourful predatory fish with blue-black body tones, red spotting and fascinating intelligent behaviour. Correctly known as Channa andrao, this species is much smaller than many snakeheads, but it is still a specialist predator that needs a secure, mature aquarium, meaty foods and careful seasonal temperature management. It is best suited to aquarists who want a characterful species fish rather than a standard community aquarium inhabitant.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Blue Dwarf Snakehead
Other Names: Redspotted Snakehead, Andrao Snakehead, Dwarf Snakehead, Blue Bleheri Snakehead, Channa sp. “Blue bleheri”
Scientific Name: Channa andrao
Fish Type: Snakehead / Predatory Labyrinth Fish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Channa andrao is native to India, specifically West Bengal, with the type locality recorded as Lefraguri swamp. It is a freshwater snakehead associated with shallow, vegetated, swamp-like habitats where cover, seasonal changes and access to atmospheric air are important.

In the aquarium, Blue Dwarf Snakeheads should be given a mature, heavily furnished setup with wood, roots, caves, plants, floating cover and subdued lighting. They are obligate air-breathers, so they must always have access to the water surface.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Blue Dwarf Snakeheads have an elongated predatory body, broad head and large mouth. Colour varies with age, mood, sex and condition, but settled fish may show dark blue, steel-blue, charcoal or blackish body tones with red, orange or rust-coloured spotting and markings. The fins can show blue, red, pale edging or darker patterning depending on the individual.

Adults usually reach around 10–14 cm, with some aquarium specimens reported close to 15 cm. Although this is small for a snakehead, it is still a muscular predatory fish and should not be treated like a nano species.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is best suited to a species aquarium, bonded pair setup or carefully managed specialist predator tank. It is not a general community fish. The aquarium should be secure, mature, dimly lit and heavily structured, with both hiding areas and open space for movement.

Blue Dwarf Snakeheads are not suitable for mixed small-fish communities, open-top aquariums, tropical tanks kept permanently hot, or aquariums containing fish small enough to be swallowed.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 90–100 litres for a single fish or bonded pair, with a footprint around 80 x 30 cm or larger recommended. Bigger aquariums are preferred for groups, unpaired fish or long-term breeding projects.

Footprint matters more than height. This species appreciates cover, territory breaks and shaded areas rather than a tall bare aquarium.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 18–24°C for general care, with a cooler seasonal period around 16–19°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: This is not a permanent high-temperature tropical fish. Long-term care should include a cooler resting period, especially outside the warmer part of the year. Keep water clean and stable, but avoid strong exposed current. Good cover, oxygenation and surface access are essential.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Predator

Blue Dwarf Snakeheads are predatory, territorial fish. They are best kept alone, as a compatible pair, or in carefully managed groups only in larger aquariums with plenty of cover. They may eat small fish, shrimp and fry, and adults can become aggressive towards unsuitable tank mates or rival snakeheads.

Tank mates are not recommended for most setups. If attempted, companions must be robust, peaceful, too large to swallow and able to tolerate the same cooler seasonal conditions. Avoid small tetras, rasboras, guppies, shrimp, delicate bottom dwellers, aggressive cichlids and any fish that may harass or be eaten by the snakehead.

Feeding:

Blue Dwarf Snakeheads are carnivorous predators. Offer a varied meaty diet including earthworms, prawns, mussel, white fish, bloodworm, brineshrimp, mysis, chopped seafood and quality carnivore pellets once accepted. Young fish may take smaller frozen foods, while adults need larger meaty items.

Avoid feeder fish, as they can introduce parasites, disease and poor nutrition. Do not overfeed; snakeheads can become overweight in aquariums if offered heavy meals too often.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species is intelligent, observant and often recognises feeding routines. It may spend time under floating plants, among wood and inside caves, emerging to patrol or feed. Snakeheads breathe atmospheric air, so regular surface visits are normal.

Pairs may become territorial when bonded or breeding. Channa andrao is a mouthbrooding species, and adults may show strong parental behaviour. Compatibility between individuals is not guaranteed, so close observation is important.

Care Notes:

Use a tight-fitting lid with all gaps covered. Snakeheads are powerful jumpers and can leave the aquarium if given the opportunity. Leave a warm, humid air gap above the water so the fish can breathe safely at the surface.

Add Blue Dwarf Snakeheads only to a mature aquarium with stable conditions. Provide heavy cover, subdued lighting and seasonal temperature variation. Avoid constant high tropical temperatures, poor water quality, feeder fish and small tank mates. This species is best sold to experienced aquarists who understand predator care and secure aquarium housing.

Recommended For:

Experienced

Availability:

Occasional / Specialist import or captive-bred when available

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, blue colour, red spotting, fin markings, sex, mood and body pattern can occur between individual fish.