Giant snakehead · Xhantic

Giant Red Snakehead Channa Micropeltes

• Care Level: Moderate
• Tank Size: 88 Gal (400 Ltr) min
• Temperament: Aggressive
• PH: 6 – 8
• Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
• Flow: Moderate

What We Like About This Fish:

• The 2nd Largest of all Snakeheads
• Stunning Colouration
• Impressive, but manageable size

The Red Snakehead, also called the Giant Snakehead, is the second largest species in the Channidae family and one of the largest freshwater species within the hobby. 

Red Snakeheads are an extremely hardy, aggressive, and powerful species that are native to several countries throughout Southeast Asia (Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, Cambodia, Sumatra, and Borneo).

They get their name mainly from the fact that their heads have a snake-like appearance, but it may also have something to do with their sharp teeth. They are one of the few social species of the Channidae family and as juveniles they will swim together in schools as well as hunt together when mature. 

Red Snakeheads have an accessory respiratory organ, which allows them to breathe outside of the water for a long time.

Red Snakeheads will need a strong, tight-fitting lid on their aquarium as they will sometimes jump or get carried away while hunting live fish. 

Species specific aquariums are recommended as they are highly predatory and aggressive; although they can coexist with a few of the largest cichlids (Gars are usually a safe bet), large catfish, and various large Plecos. Tank mates should be chosen carefully and should comparable in size as adults.

Red Snakeheads are ferocious, predatory carnivores and mainly eat massive amounts of live fish, but also eat frogs, insects and crayfish in the wild. In the aquarium they should be fed a constant supply of live fish, but they will also accept live earth worms, frogs, crickets, and dry foods.