Product Details

Blue Dwarf Snakehead – Channa andrao

Overview:

The Blue Dwarf Snakehead is a small but highly characterful predatory fish with blue-grey body colour, red spotting, bold behaviour and the unmistakable intelligent look of the snakehead group. Although Channa andrao is much more manageable than large snakeheads, it is not a normal community fish. It needs a secure, well-covered aquarium, cooler seasonal conditions and carefully chosen tank mates, or preferably a species-focused setup. For experienced aquarists wanting a compact predatory fish with real personality, this species is one of the most appealing dwarf snakeheads.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Blue Dwarf Snakehead
Other Names: Andrao Snakehead, Rao’s Snakehead, Redspotted 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 West Bengal, India, where it was described from the Lefraguri swamp area. FishBase lists it as a freshwater, benthopelagic, obligate air-breathing snakehead from India.

In nature, it is associated with swampy, vegetated, seasonally variable habitats. Aquarium care should reflect this by providing cover, subdued lighting, access to surface air and a cooler winter rest period rather than constant high tropical temperatures.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Blue Dwarf Snakeheads have an elongated body, broad head, large mouth and long dorsal and anal fins. Colour is usually blue-grey, slate or dark brown with red to orange spotting, particularly on the body and fins. The fins may show attractive blue, white, orange or red edging depending on sex, mood and condition.

Adults usually reach around 10–14 cm, although Aquarium Glaser notes that wild fish are often under 10 cm and aquarium specimens may exceptionally reach around 15 cm. Males and females can vary in colour and body shape, but reliable sexing can be difficult outside breeding condition.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is best kept in a species aquarium, a settled pair setup or a carefully planned subtropical predator community. Provide dense planting, floating plants, wood, caves, leaf litter, shaded areas and open patches for movement. A tight-fitting lid is essential because snakeheads are strong jumpers and air-breathers.

It is not suitable for warm tropical community tanks, small uncovered aquariums, ornamental shrimp setups or aquariums containing fish small enough to be swallowed.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 90 litres for a single fish or compatible pair, with 120 litres or more preferred for long-term comfort and better layout options. Larger aquariums are recommended if attempting tank mates or keeping more than one juvenile while pairs form. Compatibility between individuals is not guaranteed, so be prepared to separate fish if aggression develops.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 18–25°C, with a cooler winter rest recommended
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard; stability is more important than extremes
Additional Notes: This is a subtropical snakehead, not a fish for permanently hot water. Fishkeeper describes Channa andrao as a subtropical species needing a cool winter rest, while Aquainfo also notes that lowering the temperature in winter is necessary for this species.

Always leave an air gap above the water surface, as snakeheads must breathe atmospheric air.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Predator

Blue Dwarf Snakeheads are predatory and territorial. Suitable tank mates, if attempted, must be too large to swallow, calm, non-aggressive and able to tolerate cooler seasonal temperatures. In many cases, a species-only setup or a single compatible pair is the safest approach.

Avoid small tetras, rasboras, guppies, shrimp, small Cory-type catfish, delicate fish, fin-nippers and aggressive cichlids. Conspecific aggression can occur, particularly as fish mature or pairs form, so monitor behaviour closely. Aquainfo notes that C. andrao can be kept with carefully chosen co-inhabitants, provided they are not too small or too aggressive and can tolerate the winter temperature drop.

Feeding:

Blue Dwarf Snakeheads are carnivorous predators. Offer a varied diet of frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, brineshrimp, mosquito larvae, daphnia, earthworms and chopped prawn. Settled fish can often be trained onto quality carnivore pellets, soft sinking sticks or insect-based foods.

Avoid routine feeder fish, as they carry disease risk and offer poor nutritional control. Feed measured portions rather than overfeeding, especially during cooler periods when metabolism slows.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This is an intelligent, observant fish that often watches movement outside the aquarium and quickly learns feeding routines. It may rest among plants, under cover or near the surface, then emerge confidently when food is offered. As an obligate air-breather, it will regularly rise to the surface to gulp air; this is normal behaviour. Channa andrao is a mouthbrooder, and Aquarium Glaser describes it as becoming sexually mature at around 8 cm.

Care Notes:

A secure lid is essential, including gaps around cables, filter pipes and condensation trays. Provide a seasonal cooler rest, reduce feeding during cooler periods and avoid keeping the fish permanently warm. Use plants, wood and floating cover to reduce stress. Do not mix with small fish or ornamental shrimp. Maintain clean water, but avoid excessive current that prevents the fish resting comfortably. Never release unwanted snakeheads outdoors.

Recommended For:

Experienced

Availability:

Occasional / Specialist predator fish / Captive-bred or imported depending on supplier

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, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.