Green Emerald Snakehead

Green Emerald Snakehead (Channa royi)

• Care Level: Moderate
• Tank Size: 88 Gal (400 Ltr) min
• Temperament: Aggressive
• pH: 6 – 8
• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
• Flow: Moderate

What We Like About This Fish:

• Beautiful markings
• Stunning colouration
• Impressive, but manageable size

Description:

The Green Emerald Snakehead (Channa royi) is a newly described species distinguished by its greenish-grey dorsal, pale brown to black pectoral fin, and dark olive to grey oblique streaks on a green background on the upper half of the body. It is currently known only from the South, Middle, and North Andaman Islands of India, where it inhabits ditches, ponds, and hill streams with clear, slow-flowing water and cobble substrates.

Like other snakeheads, they have a snake-like head with sharp teeth and are one of the few social species within the family. Juveniles often swim in schools and hunt cooperatively as adults.

Aquarium Requirements:

A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential as these fish are capable jumpers. They need species-specific tanks due to their aggressive and predatory nature but can cohabit with similarly sized large cichlids, gars, catfish, and large plecos. Tank mates should be chosen carefully.

Feeding:

Green Emerald Snakeheads are voracious predators, feeding mostly on live fish, frogs, insects, and crayfish in the wild. In captivity, they require a steady supply of live fish but will also accept live earthworms, frogs, crickets, and high-quality dry foods.

Above images for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.

Please note: The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Swell shop, or available for collection from the shop. Species sold at our Swell store will differ from ones available to order to your door.

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