Red Snakehead
Channa micropeltes
Red Snakehead (Channa micropeltes) — Expert care, Aggressive, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 79 US gal min; aim for 72–82°F and pH 6–7.5. Details below match the app.
Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
Asia
- East & Southeast Asia
Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.
Red Snakehead Tank Setup
Plan for at least 79 US gal min of water—that is the minimum in our database for a workable setup, not a challenge to crowd fish. Aim to hold 72–82°F and pH 6–7.5 without daily drama. These fish use the Mid-top zone most, so put wood, plants, or open water there accordingly.
What Do Red Snakeheads Eat?
We record diet as Carnivore. Offer a few food types that match—dry, frozen, or gel—and swap now and then. One flake every day for a year is how dull color and gut trouble creep in.
Red Snakehead Tank Mates
Temperament in the data: Aggressive. Treat small tank mates as potential snacks once the fish grows. Grows very large; not community safe Plug your full stock list into the stocking calculator—single-species compatibility scores are hints, not a whole-tank verdict.
Are Red Snakeheads Good for Beginners?
Not where we would send a brand-new keeper. Get a few wins under your belt with hardier fish first.
Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.
Similar fish to consider
Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.