African Snakehead
- Aquarium size — from 300 L
- Temperature — 22–28°C
- pH — 6.0–7.5
- Water hardness — soft to medium (3–15 dGH)
- Substrate — sand or fine gravel
- Lighting — dim
- Brackish water — no
- Water movement — weak
- Adult size — up to 25–30 cm
- Diet — meaty foods
- Temperament — predatory, territorial
- Best kept alone or in carefully chosen communities
Overview
The African Snakehead (Parachanna africana and related species) is an air‑breathing predator from West and Central Africa. It is more compact than many Asian snakeheads, but still powerful and capable of serious damage to tankmates.
Because snakeheads can survive in low‑oxygen water and even breathe atmospheric air, they are hardy fish, but their predatory nature and need for secure lids make them suitable only for keepers who understand their behaviour.
Habitat
In nature African Snakeheads inhabit slow rivers, swamps, floodplains and heavily vegetated pools. The water is usually warm, soft to medium hard and often stained brown by tannins from decaying leaves and wood.
During dry seasons some snakeheads can survive in shallow, oxygen‑poor waters thanks to their accessory breathing organ. They often stay near submerged roots, dense plants and other cover from which they ambush passing prey.
Description
African Snakeheads have elongated bodies with long dorsal and anal fins and a slightly flattened head that resembles that of a snake, hence the common name. Colouration varies from light brown to grey with darker bands, blotches or chevron‑shaped markings along the sides.
Most aquarium specimens grow to about 25–30 cm. Strong jaws and sharp teeth allow them to grasp and swallow relatively large prey items, so tankmates must be chosen accordingly.
Feeding
Snakeheads are carnivores that hunt fish, frogs, insects and other aquatic animals. In the aquarium they accept a wide range of meaty foods, including pieces of fish and shrimp, earthworms, krill, high‑quality frozen foods and sinking carnivore pellets.
As with other large predators, feeding warm‑blooded meat is not recommended. Offer varied but moderate portions to prevent obesity and maintain good water quality. Feeding after lights out often feels more natural for them.
Care and aquarium setup
A single African Snakehead requires an aquarium of at least 300 liters, with a larger footprint preferred. Use a tight‑fitting lid with no gaps — snakeheads are excellent escape artists and will use any opening to leave the tank.
Provide soft sand or fine gravel, plenty of hiding places made from driftwood, caves and dense planting, and keep lighting subdued. Filtration should be efficient but not create strong currents. Regular water changes and stable parameters are important, even though the species is more tolerant of low oxygen than most fish.
Behavior and compatibility
African Snakeheads are territorial and strongly predatory. They may tolerate robust tankmates of similar size in spacious tanks with many hiding places, but any fish small enough to fit in their mouth is at risk.
Keeping several snakeheads together is possible only in very large aquariums and usually works best with established pairs or groups raised from juveniles. Even then, aggression is possible, so close observation and backup plans are necessary.