Burmese Spotted Snakehead - Channa ornatipinnis Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Burmese Spotted Snakeheads (Channa ornatipinnis) are classified as a relatively diminutive species of Snakeheads. Once a pair has been established, it is crucial to remove all other specimens, as these fish do not tolerate the presence of other individuals. These fish are deemed unsuitable for novice aquarists as a result of their exacting water parameters and inherently aggressive disposition.
When maintaining a group of Burmese Spotted Snakeheads, including young specimens, a considerably spacious aquarium is necessary, equipped with ample hiding places such as driftwood and rocky caves. Furthermore, ensuring substantial water movement within the aquarium is essential.
This species exhibits highly territorial and aggressive behaviour, often resulting in severe harm inflicted upon one another. In their natural habitat, each individual establishes its own territory centred around a non-shared rock formation.
There have been favourable reports concerning the compatibility of Burmese Spotted Snakeheads with other robust fish species, provided that a pair has not yet formed. However, it is imperative that these companion species can tolerate fluctuations in temperature, as such temperature drops are necessary to maintain optimal health. Prolonged exposure to tropical temperatures can lead to colour fading and make them susceptible to potentially fatal bacterial infections.
To prevent escape, it is vital to have a tightly secured lid, as these fish are experienced jumpers. However, a small gap must be deliberately left between the water surface and the cover slides, allowing the fish to access the humid air above.
Utilizing a tall aquarium with a reduced water level significantly diminishes the likelihood of jumping while simultaneously providing sufficient surface cover and facilitating the natural regulation of dissolved waste. Additionally, incorporating floating plant species as surface cover can contribute to creating suitable conditions for breeding.
Distinctive characteristics of Burmese Spotted Snakeheads include numerous prominent black spots on their cheeks, golden-orange lips, a red posterior rim on the opercular flap, 5 to 7 narrow alternating white and dark brown to black semicircular bands on the pectoral fin, three blotches on the anterior region of the dorsal fin, and a body adorned with red and bluish-grey scales, extensively adorned with numerous black spots.
Burmese Spotted Snakehead Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Burmese Spotted Snakeheads can pose considerable difficulty. Nonetheless, males typically exhibit more robust cranial structures and streamlined body shapes when compared to their female counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Channa ornatipinnis |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2008 |
| Other Names | Ornate Snakehead |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Anabantiformes |
| Family | Channidae |
| Genus | Channa |
| Origins | Myanmar |
| Max Size | 25 cm |
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Intermediate - Advanced |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Pairs |
| Diet & Feeding | Carnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 10 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 20 |
| ℉ | 53 - 77 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 12 - 25 |
Natural Habitat
The native habitat of the Burmese Spotted Snakehead encompasses Waloun Chaung in Rakhine State, Myanmar, located in Southeast Asia. These fish predominantly occupy small rocky streams characterized by shaded forested banks descending from steep hills. The water in these streams is clear and exhibits rapid flow, with significant seasonal variations in both water flow and temperature.
Breeding
No documented instances of successful breeding of the Burmese Spotted Snakehead in captivity have been reported, thus resulting in limited availability of information regarding its breeding behaviour.
Diet & Feeding
In its natural habitat, the Burmese Spotted Snakehead primarily relies on a diet comprising smaller fish and insects. However, when maintained in captive environments, they typically exhibit adaptability to consuming alternative food sources that are no longer alive. It is important to note that while some individuals may accept dried foods, they should not constitute the predominant portion of their diet.
For juvenile Burmese Spotted Snakeheads, suitable food options include bloodworms, small earthworms, chopped prawns, and similar offerings. As these fish reach adulthood, their diet can consist of fish flesh strips, whole prawns, mussels, live River Shrimp, and larger earthworms.
It is crucial to avoid feeding these fish with beef heart or chicken, as they cannot effectively metabolize the lipids present in such food items. This can result in the accumulation of excessive fat deposits and potential organ degeneration.
Furthermore, using "feeder" fish, such as Livebearers or small Goldfish, is not advantageous unless these prey items have been adequately conditioned beforehand, as they do not provide significant nutritional value to these Snakeheads.
