{"product_id":"blue-dwarf-snakehead-channa-andrao","title":"Blue Dwarf Snakehead - Channa andrao","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"x1m5wr\" data-start=\"575\" data-end=\"615\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eBlue Dwarf Snakehead – \u003cem data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"615\"\u003eChanna andrao\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"77mjg\" data-start=\"617\" data-end=\"629\"\u003eOverview:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"630\" data-end=\"1219\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"634\" data-end=\"658\"\u003eBlue Dwarf Snakehead\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong data-start=\"837\" data-end=\"854\"\u003eChanna andrao\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1243\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1244\" data-end=\"1533\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1244\" data-end=\"1260\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Dwarf Snakehead\u003cbr data-start=\"1281\" data-end=\"1284\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1284\" data-end=\"1300\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Andrao Snakehead, Rao’s Snakehead, Redspotted Snakehead, Blue Bleheri Snakehead, \u003cem data-start=\"1382\" data-end=\"1390\"\u003eChanna\u003c\/em\u003e sp. “Blue bleheri”\u003cbr data-start=\"1409\" data-end=\"1412\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1412\" data-end=\"1432\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1433\" data-end=\"1448\"\u003eChanna andrao\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1448\" data-end=\"1451\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1451\" data-end=\"1465\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Snakehead \/ Predatory Labyrinth Fish\u003cbr data-start=\"1502\" data-end=\"1505\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1505\" data-end=\"1520\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1535\" data-end=\"1562\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1804\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1563\" data-end=\"1578\"\u003eChanna andrao\u003c\/em\u003e is native to \u003cstrong data-start=\"1592\" data-end=\"1614\"\u003eWest Bengal, India\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it was described from the Lefraguri swamp area. FishBase lists it as a freshwater, benthopelagic, obligate air-breathing snakehead from India. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"2062\"\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"2064\" data-end=\"2091\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2092\" data-end=\"2406\"\u003eBlue 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2408\" data-end=\"2734\"\u003eAdults usually reach around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2436\" data-end=\"2448\"\u003e10–14 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, although Aquarium Glaser notes that wild fish are often under 10 cm and aquarium specimens may exceptionally reach around 15 cm. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Males and females can vary in colour and body shape, but reliable sexing can be difficult outside breeding condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"2736\" data-end=\"2760\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2761\" data-end=\"3086\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3088\" data-end=\"3252\"\u003eIt is not suitable for warm tropical community tanks, small uncovered aquariums, ornamental shrimp setups or aquariums containing fish small enough to be swallowed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"3254\" data-end=\"3283\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3284\" data-end=\"3664\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"3307\" data-end=\"3357\"\u003e90 litres for a single fish or compatible pair\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"3364\" data-end=\"3386\"\u003e120 litres or more\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3666\" data-end=\"3686\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3687\" data-end=\"4173\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3687\" data-end=\"3703\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18–25°C, with a cooler winter rest recommended\u003cbr data-start=\"3750\" data-end=\"3753\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3753\" data-end=\"3760\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003cbr data-start=\"3768\" data-end=\"3771\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3771\" data-end=\"3784\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard; stability is more important than extremes\u003cbr data-start=\"3851\" data-end=\"3854\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3854\" data-end=\"3875\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a subtropical snakehead, not a fish for permanently hot water. Fishkeeper describes \u003cem data-start=\"3968\" data-end=\"3983\"\u003eChanna andrao\u003c\/em\u003e as a subtropical species needing a cool winter rest, while Aquainfo also notes that lowering the temperature in winter is necessary for this species. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4175\" data-end=\"4267\"\u003eAlways leave an air gap above the water surface, as snakeheads must breathe atmospheric air.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"4269\" data-end=\"4297\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4298\" data-end=\"4331\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4298\" data-end=\"4320\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Predator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4333\" data-end=\"4610\"\u003eBlue 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4612\" data-end=\"5058\"\u003eAvoid 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 \u003cem data-start=\"4863\" data-end=\"4874\"\u003eC. andrao\u003c\/em\u003e can be kept with carefully chosen co-inhabitants, provided they are not too small or too aggressive and can tolerate the winter temperature drop. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"5060\" data-end=\"5071\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5072\" data-end=\"5364\"\u003eBlue 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5366\" data-end=\"5559\"\u003eAvoid 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"5561\" data-end=\"5590\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5591\" data-end=\"6076\"\u003eThis 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. \u003cem data-start=\"5927\" data-end=\"5942\"\u003eChanna andrao\u003c\/em\u003e is a mouthbrooder, and Aquarium Glaser describes it as becoming sexually mature at around 8 cm. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"6078\" data-end=\"6092\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6093\" data-end=\"6541\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"6543\" data-end=\"6562\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6563\" data-end=\"6574\"\u003eExperienced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"6576\" data-end=\"6592\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6593\" data-end=\"6679\"\u003eOccasional \/ Specialist predator fish \/ Captive-bred or imported depending on supplier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"6681\" data-end=\"6701\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6702\" data-end=\"6897\"\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43679880577098,"sku":"AG-102765","price":19.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43679880609866,"sku":"AG-102766","price":24.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43679880642634,"sku":"AG-102767","price":29.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large","offer_id":43679880675402,"sku":"AG-102768","price":34.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/BlueDwarfSnakehead-Channaandrao_1.jpg?v=1780928463","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/blue-dwarf-snakehead-channa-andrao","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}