(WA) Blue Andrao Channa (Channa andrao)

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.