Here’s a care guide for the Dwarf Golden Snakehead (Channa aurantipectoralis) — a smaller, striking species from northeastern India and Bangladesh.
 
 
 
 
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Dwarf Golden Snakehead (Channa aurantipectoralis) Care Guide (UK)
 
 
Common Name: Dwarf Golden Snakehead
Scientific Name: Channa aurantipectoralis
Origin: Northeastern India (Mizoram region), Bangladesh
Adult Size: Around 15–20 cm (6–8 in)
Lifespan: 8–10 years
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial but less so than larger Channa species
 
 
 
 
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Tank Requirements
 
 
Tank Size: Minimum 180 litres (around 4 ft tank) for a single or bonded pair
Temperature: 22–26 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Filtration: Efficient but with gentle flow; snakeheads dislike strong currents
Lighting: Moderate to dim – use floating plants to diffuse light
Lid: Essential – they are excellent jumpers
 
 
 
 
 
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Tank Setup
 
 
Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
Decor: Provide plenty of hiding spots with driftwood, rocks, and dense plants
Cover: Floating plants help them feel secure
Territory: Each fish needs clear boundaries to reduce aggression
 
 
 
 
 
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Feeding
 
 
Diet: Carnivorous – prefers live and frozen foods
Options:
Earthworms, prawns, bloodworms, mussel, and fish fillet
Can be trained to take high-quality pellets
 
Feeding Frequency: 3–4 times a week (they don’t need daily feeding)
 
 
 
 
 
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Behaviour and Tankmates
 
 
Temperament: Territorial, especially in smaller tanks
Tankmates: Best kept alone or as a bonded pair
Avoid community tanks – they may attack smaller fish
 
Compatibility: Peaceful with conspecifics only when paired; otherwise solitary
 
 
 
 
 
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Breeding
 
 
Type: Cave spawner and mouthbrooder (depending on population variant)
Difficulty: Moderate – pair formation can be tricky
Conditioning: Provide high-protein diet and secluded caves or pipes
 
 
 
 
 
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Notes
 
 
Requires a cooling period or seasonal variation (cooler winter months around 20 °C) to mimic natural conditions and promote health.
Legal status (UK): Legal to keep and sell, but never release into the wild — all Channa species are invasive