Description
Red Andrao Channa (Channa andrao – Red Morph)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Channa andrao (Red Morph)
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Common Names: Red Andrao, Red Dwarf Snakehead
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Family: Channidae (Snakeheads)
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Origin: Selectively bred color morph from Channa andrao (originally from Brahmaputra River basin, Assam, India)
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Size: 4 – 5 inches (10 – 12 cm)
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Lifespan: 7 – 10 years in captivity
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Tank Zone: Bottom & mid-level dwellers, prefer shaded zones
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 80 – 200 ppm
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pH: 6.0 – 7.5
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Temperature: 20 – 28°C (68 – 82°F), cooler waters preferred
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Hardness: 4 – 10 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Rare red/orange-bodied dwarf snakehead, created through selective breeding.
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Males show stronger red coloration with elongated fins; females are rounder with subtler tones.
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Like all snakeheads, they have a labyrinth organ to breathe air directly.
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Compact size makes them one of the few snakeheads suitable for aquariums.
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Secretive and shy at first, but become more interactive once settled.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Carnivorous.
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Diet: Live/frozen foods – bloodworms, earthworms, insect larvae, feeder shrimp. May accept pellets after training.
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Feeding Schedule: Feed once daily; fasting 1–2 days weekly helps digestion.
🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair.
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Filtration: Gentle flow; they dislike strong currents.
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Substrate: Dark sand or fine gravel; enhances colors.
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Decor: Dense vegetation, caves, driftwood, floating plants for cover.
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Lighting: Dim, subdued lighting to reduce stress.
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Water Change: 20–30% weekly; avoid sudden parameter changes.
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Cover: Secure lid is essential – expert jumpers.
👥 Social Behavior
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Best kept as a single specimen or bonded pair.
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Males are territorial, especially in small tanks.
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Tank Mates: Not ideal for community setups; can coexist with peaceful, non-aggressive, similar-sized species (like loaches).
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Will prey on small fish or shrimp.
✅ Do’s
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Provide hiding spaces and shaded areas.
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Keep water cool and well-oxygenated.
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Ensure a variety of protein-rich foods for best coloration.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t overcrowd – territorial disputes are common.
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Don’t mix with small fish or shrimp.
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Don’t expose to constant bright lighting.
⭐ Quick Tips
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One of the most striking dwarf snakehead color morphs, highly sought by collectors.
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Hardy and adaptable when properly cared for.
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Best for species-only tanks where their beauty and natural behaviors can be showcased.
