Channa limbata, commonly known as the Burmese Snakehead or Striped Snakehead, is a species of freshwater fish belonging to the family Channidae. It is native to Southeast Asia, specifically found in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and parts of Cambodia. The Burmese Snakehead is a fascinating and predatory fish known for its striking appearance and aggressive behavior.

Appearance:

• Size: Channa limbata can grow to a significant size, with adults reaching up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) in length, depending on their living conditions.
• Body Shape: They have a long and slender body, typical of the snakehead family, with a large mouth equipped with sharp teeth for capturing prey.
• Coloration: The Burmese Snakehead exhibits a beautiful and eye-catching color pattern. It has a light beige to yellowish body with dark horizontal stripes running along its length, giving it a unique and striped appearance.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Maintain a tropical water temperature between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C) for the well-being of Channa limbata.
• pH Level: Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 to replicate their natural habitat.
• Water Hardness: Provide moderately soft to moderately hard water with a hardness level between 5 and 12 dGH.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: Due to their large adult size, the Burmese Snakehead requires a spacious aquarium of at least 100 gallons (380 liters) to accommodate their growth and swimming needs.
• Substrate: Use a soft and fine-grained substrate to mimic their natural environment and prevent injury to their delicate barbels.
• Hiding Spots: Provide plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, and caves to make them feel secure.

Feeding Habit:

• Carnivorous Diet: Channa limbata is a highly predatory fish and primarily feeds on live foods.
• Live Foods: Offer a varied diet of live foods such as feeder fish, live shrimp, insects, and small crustaceans to meet their nutritional needs.

Behavior:

• Aggressive and Territorial: Burmese Snakeheads are aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding and when defending their space.
• Solitary Nature: They are generally solitary fish and prefer to be kept alone or with other large and aggressive species in very spacious tanks.

Care:

• Due to their aggressive nature, they are not suitable for community aquariums and should be kept only with other large and aggressive fish.
• Provide a tightly-fitted tank cover as snakeheads are known for their ability to jump out of open aquariums.