Blue Dwarf Snakehead - Channa andrao

Blue Dwarf Snakehead (Channa andrao)

The Blue Dwarf Snakehead is a small but highly characterful predatory fish from north-eastern India, prized for its blue-grey body colour, darker barring, orange-to-red fin edging and intelligent, watchful behaviour. Also known as Rao’s Snakehead, this species is one of the smallest snakeheads available in the aquarium hobby, but it is still a specialist predator rather than a standard community fish. It is best suited to experienced keepers who can provide a secure, well-covered aquarium, seasonal cooler periods and carefully managed feeding.

Common Name:
Blue Dwarf Snakehead. Also commonly referred to as Rao’s Snakehead, Dwarf Neon Snakehead, Lal Cheng Snakehead, Blue Bleheri Snakehead or Channa sp. “Assam”.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Channa andrao

Maximum Size:
Around 10–11 cm, making it one of the smallest known Channa species.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Native to India, specifically West Bengal, where it is associated with the Lefraguri swamp / Barobisha area in the Brahmaputra drainage region. In the wild it inhabits thickly vegetated, still or slow-moving swampy waters that experience strong seasonal changes, including warmer wet-season conditions and cooler winter/dry-season periods.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 18–24°C for normal maintenance
Cool winter rest: around 15–19°C is strongly recommended for long-term health
pH Range: 6.0–7.0
Hardness: soft to moderately hard water, with softer acidic water preferred

Temperament:
Predatory, territorial and best treated as a specialist fish. It is one of the more tolerant dwarf snakeheads, but it should not be kept with small fish that could be eaten, delicate community fish or aggressive tank mates that may stress or injure it. Adults are often best kept singly, as a compatible pair, or in a carefully monitored species-focused setup.

Diet:
Carnivorous predator. It should be offered a varied meaty diet including bloodworm, mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, krill, chopped earthworms, small prawns, insects and suitable carnivore pellets once accepted. Avoid relying on live feeder fish, as they can introduce disease and are not necessary for good long-term care.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical recommendation is at least 100 litres for a single adult or compatible pair, with a larger aquarium preferred if keeping a group of juveniles or attempting pair formation.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is a bottom-to-mid level predator that spends time exploring cover, resting under plants or wood, and watching for food. It is an obligate air-breathing fish, meaning it must be able to reach the surface to breathe atmospheric air. A tight-fitting, escape-proof lid is essential, as even small snakeheads are powerful jumpers and can escape through very small gaps.

Aquarium Category:
Predator
This species is best kept in a species-only or specialist predator setup. Possible tank mates are limited and must be too large to be swallowed, peaceful enough not to bully the snakehead and able to tolerate cooler winter temperatures. Avoid nano fish, shrimp, fin nippers, aggressive cichlids, warm-water community fish and anything that cannot cope with a seasonal temperature drop.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This species needs a secure aquarium with a tight lid, covered equipment gaps and a small humid air space above the water surface. Provide dense planting, floating plants, wood, caves, shaded areas and quieter resting zones away from strong current. A seasonal cool winter rest is important and should not be ignored, as keeping this species too warm all year can contribute to long-term health issues. Feeding should be reduced during cooler periods when metabolism slows.

Suitable for:
Experienced fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.