Product Details

Peacock Snakehead – Channa pulchra

The Peacock Snakehead is a striking predatory fish with blue-grey body colour, orange spotting, patterned fins and highly intelligent behaviour. Correctly known as Channa pulchra, this species is smaller than many giant snakeheads but still grows into a powerful, territorial predator that needs a secure, well-structured aquarium. It is best suited to experienced aquarists wanting a characterful species fish rather than a standard tropical community aquarium inhabitant.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Peacock Snakehead
Other Names: Coloured Snakehead, Beautiful Snakehead, Pulchra Snakehead, Blue Snakehead
Scientific Name: Channa pulchra
Fish Type: Snakehead / Predatory Labyrinth Fish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Channa pulchra is native to Myanmar, where it is recorded from the headwaters of Kyeinthali Chaung in Rakhine State. Its natural habitat is associated with freshwater hill-stream and headwater environments, where cover, territory, seasonal conditions and access to atmospheric air are important.

In the aquarium, Peacock Snakeheads should be given a mature, heavily furnished setup with wood, roots, caves, smooth rocks, plants, floating cover and shaded areas. They are obligate air-breathers, so they must always have clear access to the water surface.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Peacock Snakeheads have an elongated predatory body, broad head, large mouth and strong fins. Colour varies with age, sex, mood and condition, but settled fish may show blue-grey, slate, olive or turquoise body tones with orange, red or rust-coloured spots and markings. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins can show blue, black, white or orange edging, giving mature fish a bold patterned look.

Adults can reach around 25–30 cm, making this a medium-sized snakehead that needs serious aquarium space. Juveniles may look manageable when small, but adult size, strength and territorial behaviour must be planned for from the start.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is best suited to a species aquarium, compatible 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 hiding places, territory breaks and open areas for movement.

Peacock Snakeheads are not suitable for small-fish communities, open-top aquariums, tiny tanks, delicate planted nano displays or aquariums containing fish small enough to be swallowed.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 250–300 litres for a single adult or compatible pair, with a tank length of at least 120 cm recommended. Larger aquariums are strongly preferred for long-term adult care, groups, unpaired fish or more complex layouts.

Footprint matters more than height. This species benefits from a wide base, cover, shaded zones and broken lines of sight rather than a tall bare aquarium.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 18–24°C for general care, with cooler seasonal periods beneficial
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Peacock Snakeheads should not be kept permanently hot like standard tropical community fish. They are best maintained with stable, clean water, subdued current and seasonal variation. Avoid sudden changes in temperature or chemistry. Good cover, oxygenation and surface access are essential, even though snakeheads breathe atmospheric air.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Predator

Peacock Snakeheads are predatory, territorial fish. They are best kept alone, as a compatible pair, or in carefully managed groups only in very large aquariums with extensive cover. They may eat small fish, shrimp and fry, and adults can be aggressive towards unsuitable tank mates or rival snakeheads.

Tank mates are not recommended for most setups. If attempted, companions must be robust, too large to swallow, not aggressive enough to injure the snakehead, and able to tolerate the same cooler seasonal conditions. Avoid small tetras, rasboras, guppies, shrimp, delicate bottom dwellers, aggressive cichlids and anything likely to be eaten or harassed.

Feeding:

Peacock Snakeheads are carnivorous predators. Offer a varied meaty diet including earthworms, prawns, mussel, white fish, chopped seafood, bloodworm, mysis, brineshrimp and quality carnivore pellets once accepted. Juveniles 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 are powerful predators but can become overweight in aquariums if fed heavy meals too often.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species is intelligent, alert and often learns feeding routines quickly. It may spend time under floating plants, among wood or near caves, emerging to patrol, investigate movement or feed. Regular surface visits are normal because snakeheads breathe air.

Peacock Snakeheads can be territorial and may show strong individual personalities. Pair compatibility is not guaranteed, and aggression can occur suddenly if fish are cramped, mismatched or coming into breeding condition.

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 Peacock Snakeheads only to a mature aquarium with stable conditions. Provide heavy cover, subdued lighting and a secure layout. Avoid constant high tropical temperatures, poor water quality, feeder fish and small tank mates. This species should be 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-grey colour, orange spotting, fin markings, sex, mood and body pattern can occur between individual fish.