Giant Snakehead (Channa micropeltes)
Fish in the family Channidae. Hard care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific nameChanna micropeltes
FamilyChannidae
Also known asRed Snakehead, Toman, Redline Snakehead
Care levelHard
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentAggressive
DietCarnivore
Adult size40 in
Minimum tank size500 gallons
Water parametersTemp 72-82°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 4-18 dGH
Appearance
Juveniles bright red with black-and-orange lateral stripes; adults turn drab gray-green and become an enormous, bulky apex predator.
Difficulty and care for the Giant Snakehead
Hard
Origin and habitat
Southeast Asia (Mekong and Sunda basins)
Keeper notes
WARNING: reaches three to four feet and is one of the most aggressive, dangerous aquarium fish — sold as a cute red-striped juvenile but a true tank-buster. Highly predatory and will attack tankmates and even bite handlers. Banned/illegal in many regions.
Log Giant Snakehead in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Giant Snakehead alongside everything else in your reef.
