Maximum Standard Length
550 – 650 mm.
Aquarium Size
Suitable only for public installations or the very largest private aquaria.
 
Maintenance
Relatively unfussy although some  surface cover in the form of floating or overhanging vegetation or branches is appreciated.
Unlike most Channa spp. it’s pelagic and requires plenty of room to swim.
It’s essential to use a tightly-fitting hood since Channa spp. are notorious for their ability to escape, and a gap should be left between this and the water surface as they require access to a layer of humid air.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 22 – 30 °C
pH: 6.0 – 8.0
Hardness: 36 – 268 ppm
 
Diet
An obligate predator which probably feeds on smaller fishes, amphibians and terrestrial insects in nature but in most cases adapts well to dead alternatives in captivity.
Some specimens even accept dried foods though these should never form the staple diet.
Young fish can be offered chironomid larvae (bloodworm), small earthworms, chopped prawn and suchlike while adults will accept strips of fish flesh, whole prawns/shrimp, mussels, etc.
This species should not be fed mammalian or avian meat such as beef heart or chicken since some of the lipids contained in these cannot be properly metabolised by the fish and may cause excess fat deposits and even organ degeneration.
Similarly there is no benefit in the use of ‘feeder’ fish such as livebearers or small goldfish which carry with them the risk of parasite or disease introduction and at any rate tend not have a high nutritional value unless properly conditioned beforehand.