Channa Andrao Snakehead Care Guide: Blue Bleheri Cousin

Described to science only in 2013, Channa andrao arrived in the Singapore wild-fish scene with a quiet bang — small, vividly coloured, and willing to pair-bond in modest tanks. Channa andrao is sometimes called the blue cousin of the rainbow snakehead, and the comparison is fair: deep blue iridescent fin edges over a charcoal body with subtle red flank wash. This guide from Gensou Aquascaping at 5 Everton Park covers care, breeding behaviour and the kind of setup that brings out the species’ best colour.

Discovery and Origin

Native to a small region of West Bengal in north-eastern India, Channa andrao was formally described by Britz in 2013, separating it from previously confused populations of Channa bleheri. The species inhabits stagnant blackwater pools and irrigation channels at low elevation. All Singapore stock comes from Indian licensed farms or is bred locally by dedicated channa keepers.

Size and Identification

One of the smaller dwarf channas at 12-15cm adult length. The body is slate to charcoal with a creamy belly, and the unpaired fins carry a striking electric-blue iridescent edge. Fully coloured adults show a faint orange-red wash along the lower flank that intensifies during pair bonding. Easy to mix up with C. bleheri; the andrao is smaller, lacks the rainbow flank pattern, and shows blue rather than red fin edges.

Tank Size for Pairs

Unlike most channas, C. andrao bonds reliably in captivity and adults often live as compatible pairs. A bonded pair needs 100 litres minimum with footprint of at least 80x40cm. Single specimens manage in 60 litres. Build with dense hardscape — driftwood caves, Anubias-covered rocks, and leaf litter from the decoration and substrate range. The lid must be heavy, gap-free and weighted.

Water Parameters

Blackwater preferred. Target pH 5.5-6.8, GH 2-6, KH 0-3, temperature 22-26°C. Singapore PUB tap is naturally soft and works well after chloramine neutralisation and tannin staining with ANS Catappa Leaves Small. Stable cool temperature is the secret to longevity; an aircon-room placement or small chiller adds years to lifespan.

Filtration

Snakeheads supplement gill breathing with atmospheric air, but waste loading from a carnivorous diet demands strong biological filtration. A canister with baffled outflow handles the bioload. Stock from the filter media range with mature media to seed quickly. Avoid spray bars or strong powerheads — channas hate current.

Diet

Strictly carnivorous. Frozen mysis, bloodworm and krill form the staple, supplemented with chopped prawn and squid for variety. Live earthworms and river shrimp are weekly treats. Most C. andrao accept frozen food within days of arrival but rarely take dry pellets. Feed adults twice weekly only — obesity shortens lifespan more than any other captive issue.

Pair Bonding and Breeding

Among the most reliable dwarf channa pair-bonders. Introduce a young male and female together (under 8cm) and allow them to grow up bonded. Once mature, the pair occupies a shared territory and breeds as paternal mouthbrooders. The male holds eggs in his throat for 14-21 days. Fry are free-swimming at 8-10mm and accept baby brine shrimp immediately.

Tank Mates

Best kept as a species tank. Bonded pairs are aggressive toward conspecifics and other channas. Larger dither fish (rainbows, certain gourami in 200-litre setups) sometimes coexist but introduce risk. The truly safe approach is the bonded pair alone in their tank.

Singapore Sourcing and Pricing

Available periodically at Polyart, Iwarna and through the Carousell wild-fish keeper community. Wild-imported stock runs SGD 80-150 per fish; bonded pairs from local breeders fetch SGD 250-400. Premium colour-form specimens with intense blue fins reach SGD 200 each. Always quarantine new stock 30 days with prophylactic praziquantel before adding to a display setup.

Related Reading

• Channa Bleheri Snakehead Care Guide
• Channa Pulchra Snakehead Care Guide
• Channa Stewartii Snakehead Care Guide
• Wild Channa Pair Bonding Breeding Protocol Guide
• Blackwater Aquarium Chemistry Tannin Management Guide