Channa Orange Riau

From Sumatra's peat swamps, a flame-colored snakehead gulps air and waits.

Channa Orange Riau is a stunning dwarf snakehead with vibrant orange fins. Ideal for species tanks with soft water and a tight lid. A true showpiece predator.

• Water Conditions: Channa Orange Riau thrives in soft, slightly acidic to neutral water. Aim for a temperature between 24–28°C (75–82°F), a pH of 6.0–7.5, and a general hardness (GH) of 2–15 dGH. They are tropical fish and require a reliable heater to maintain stable temperatures. Ammonia and nitrite must be zero, and nitrate should be kept below 20 ppm through regular water changes of 20–30% weekly. Good filtration with gentle water flow is essential, but avoid strong currents as these fish come from calm, planted habitats. They are labyrinth fish and must have access to the water surface to breathe atmospheric air, so ensure the tank is not completely sealed with a glass lid that lacks air space. Use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramine. Sudden changes in water parameters can stress them and lead to disease, so acclimatise new arrivals slowly and maintain consistency. They are sensitive to poor water quality, so a mature, well-filtered aquarium is recommended.
• Suitable Tank Mates: This species is best kept in a species-only aquarium or with carefully chosen, robust tank mates. Because they are predatory and territorial, any fish small enough to fit in their mouth will be eaten. Avoid small tetras, guppies, rasboras, and shrimp. Also avoid long-finned fish such as bettas and angelfish, as their fins may be nipped. Suitable companions include fast-moving, mid-water species that are too large to swallow, such as tinfoil barbs, giant danios, larger rainbowfish, and silver sharks. Bottom-dwelling loaches and catfish may be harassed, especially during feeding, so provide plenty of hiding spots if you attempt to keep them together. Other snakeheads are generally not recommended unless you have a very large tank (150 cm+) with numerous visual barriers and territories; even then, aggression can occur. Snails will likely be eaten. If you want to breed or keep a pair, a dedicated tank is the safest option. Always monitor for bullying and be prepared to separate fish if aggression escalates.
• Feeding Habits: In the wild, Channa Orange Riau is an opportunistic carnivore that feeds on insects, small fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. In captivity, they readily accept a variety of meaty foods. Offer frozen or live bloodworms, blackworms, mysis shrimp, krill, chopped prawns, mussels, and squid. High-quality carnivore pellets can also be used, but many specimens prefer live or frozen foods initially. Juveniles should be fed small meals two to three times daily, while adults can be fed once daily or every other day. Because they are ambush predators, they may not compete well with fast, aggressive eaters, so target feeding with tongs or a pipette is often necessary. Avoid overfeeding, as snakeheads are prone to obesity and fatty liver disease. A varied diet ensures proper nutrition. If your fish refuses food, check water parameters and temperature first; stress or poor conditions can cause hunger strikes. Live foods can be used to entice picky eaters, but be cautious about introducing parasites. Never feed mammalian or avian meat.
• Care Requirements: Channa Orange Riau is an escape artist, so a tight-fitting lid with no gaps is absolutely essential. They can breathe air and will jump through even small openings. Leave a few centimetres of air space between the water surface and the lid. The tank should be well-planted with live or artificial plants, driftwood, rocks, and caves to provide hiding places and territories. A sandy or fine gravel substrate is ideal. They appreciate floating plants to diffuse light. Minimum tank size for a single pair is 60 cm (24 inches), but 90 cm (36 inches) or larger is better for a small group. They are territorial, so provide many visual barriers and break up the line of sight. Regular maintenance is crucial: perform weekly water changes, vacuum the substrate, and clean the filter. They are sensitive to poor water quality and can develop fin rot, ich, and internal parasites. Quarantine new additions. They can live 8–10 years with proper care. Breeding is possible—they are paternal mouthbrooders—but challenging. This species is not recommended for beginners; it requires a dedicated aquarist who can meet its specific needs. Acclimatise slowly and monitor behaviour closely.
• Size and Growth: The listed size range of 0 cm – 0 cm indicates that current stock sizes vary; please contact us for exact measurements before ordering. Typically, Channa Orange Riau reaches a maximum length of 12–18 cm (5–7 inches). They grow relatively slowly, and juveniles are often sold at 3–6 cm. As they grow, they will require larger accommodations, so plan ahead. A single adult can be kept in a 60 cm tank, but a group needs more space. Their growth rate depends on diet, water quality, and tank size. Overfeeding can accelerate growth but may lead to health problems. Provide a spacious environment to encourage natural behaviour. Regular monitoring of size and behaviour will help you adjust their care as needed. If you are unsure about the size of the fish you will receive, please enquire; we are happy to provide current measurements and photos.