Description
Blue Andrao Channa (Channa andrao)
📌 Basic Info
-
Scientific Name: Channa andrao
-
Common Names: Blue Andrao, Dwarf Snakehead, Andrao Channa
-
Family: Channidae (Snakeheads)
-
Origin: Northeast India (Brahmaputra River basin, Assam region)
-
Size: 4 – 5 inches (10 – 12 cm)
-
Lifespan: 7 – 10 years in captivity
-
Tank Zone: Bottom & mid-level dwellers (prefer shaded areas)
🌊 Water Parameters
-
TDS: 80 – 200 ppm
-
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
-
Temperature: 20 – 28°C (68 – 82°F) – cooler side preferred
-
Hardness: 4 – 10 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
-
One of the smallest snakeheads, making it popular for aquariums.
-
Striking metallic blue and turquoise coloration with red/orange fin highlights.
-
Males are more colorful and elongated; females rounder and duller.
-
Possess a labyrinth organ – can breathe atmospheric air.
-
Prefer heavily planted tanks with dim lighting and hiding spaces.
-
Known for their semi-aggressive but manageable nature in proper setups.
🍽️ Food
-
Type: Carnivorous predator.
-
Diet: Live/frozen foods – bloodworms, earthworms, small feeder shrimp, insect larvae. Can adapt to pellets and sticks if trained.
-
Feeding Schedule: Once daily (skip feeding 1–2 days a week to prevent obesity).
🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance
-
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair.
-
Filtration: Gentle flow – they dislike strong currents.
-
Substrate: Fine sand or soil, with leaf litter for natural feel.
-
Decor: Dense plants, caves, driftwood, floating plants for shade.
-
Water Change: 20–30% weekly; stable parameters preferred.
-
Cover: Tight-fitting lid – they are expert jumpers.
👥 Social Behavior
-
Best kept as a pair or single specimen; groups may fight.
-
Can be territorial, especially males.
-
Tank mates: Not ideal for community tanks, but can coexist with similarly sized, calm bottom dwellers (loaches, larger barbs).
-
Avoid small fish/shrimp – will be seen as prey.
✅ Do’s
-
Keep tank well-planted with shaded areas.
-
Provide a tight lid to prevent escapes.
-
Maintain slightly cooler water for longevity.
❌ Don’ts
-
Don’t house with very small fish – they will be eaten.
-
Don’t keep multiple males together in small tanks.
-
Don’t expose to high temperatures for long periods.
⭐ Quick Tips
-
One of the most colorful dwarf snakeheads, suitable for experienced aquarists.
-
Hardy and beautiful but require specialized care.
-
Best displayed in a species-only tank for full color and natural behavior.
