Snakehead fighter - Betta channoides

Scientific name: Betta channoides

Common name: Snakehead fighter

Family: Osphronemidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 12 cm (3.15 - 4.72 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 4.5 - 6.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 15°N (178.57 - 267.86ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: East Asia

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Snakehead fighters will accept flake foods but are much happier with live or frozen foods. Give them blood worms, brine shrimp, krill or white worms.

Origin

Asia; Snakehead fighters are found in Indonesia.

Sexing

Males will display a bright colouration, the females will have a dull appearance.

Breeding

Snakehead fighters are paternal mouth brooders. The male will collect the eggs and do all of the brooding, the female plays no further part with the offspring. The fry should be released after two weeks and they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Betta channoides is 3-5 years.

Short description

Although, Betta channoides prefer soft, acidic water, they are tolerant of other parameters. Hiding places must be provided for them as well as using plants in the tank. Snakehead fighters can be kept as pairs or in groups depending on the size of tank being used. The addition of iron to the water has been proved to be beneficial as well.

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.