An Ultimate Guide to Betta Channoides

Betta fish are known for their availability of an extensive range of species in varied colors, tail types, and sizes. One of the betta fish categories is betta channoides, which are known for their emerald color and ability to withstand harsh water conditions.

Betta channoides are also known as snakehead bettas as they share a resemblance to the snakehead fish species Channa in the shape of their head. It has a distinct orange color body with a white and black attractive tail color combination. They are often confused with betta albimarginata because of their similarities in color and habitats. However, they have quite different features from betta splendens. They reside in shallow, brackish water and like to hide behind the leaves and plants in the wild. If you are looking to put a betta channoides, this guide will be a must-read.

Betta Channoides: About

Betta channoides is primarily found in Kalimantan Timur, on the Indonesian island of Borneo. They’re most commonly seen along the Mahakam River since the waterways are swamp streamlets. These are not that deep pools with a very acidic ph. Scattered leaf litter causes high acidity in its environment. In some ecosystems, the pH can drop to 3-4.

Betta channoides has been found in Sungai Medium, Maurapahu, and Mujup, in addition to the Mahakam River in Kalimantan Timur. Betta channoides have been discovered in modest flowing creeks bordered by thick foliage. Tannins from leaf litter have turned the water naturally brown. This is the probable reason behind the acidic nature of their habitat. 

Betta fish are generally known for their aggressive nature, but on the contrary, betta channoides are pretty peaceful. They can be kept with other fish species because they are confined in a large enough tank. When tanks are small, one might notice betta males and females fighting for dominance.

Betta channoides males are easily distinguishable from female betta channoides. Like every other betta species, one can quickly look at the betta’s color and identify whether it is a male or female. Males tend to have brighter colors than females. They are also characterized by a broader head relative to females.

Nevertheless, we will always advise keeping male betta channoides in separate tanks. They tend to lose their temperament compared to female bettas.

This particular betta fish species can approximately grow up to a length of 1.5 to 2 inches. If proper tank conditions are met, they can live more than three years, nearly five years. However, mostly betta channoides live a life span of 2 to 3 years in the wild. If you want your betta channoides to live a long and healthy life, this guide below is for you.

Betta Channoides: Tank Requisites

Tank Size

The very first mistake a beginner fish enthusiasm makes is to assume that betta fish will be content in a bowl and purchase a bowl for a betta. But betta channoides along with other betta species are terrirtorial in nature. They need enough space to feel that they are in their environment.

Betta channoides require a minimum of a 10-gallon tank. If you plan to have more than one fish, we recommend going for a minimum of a 20-gallon tank. Betta resides in shallow waters. Hence, a shallow but long tank is preferable to house a betta channoides.

The flora and other decor are the most significant aspect of any wild betta arrangement. Each aquarium should be densely planted to provide native cover for males and females to separate from one another.

You may also use leaf litter to give the tank a more original look. This will make them fit in nicely because it closely resembles their native environment. You may also add logs for shelter, providing them a place to go when they’re feeling threatened. In terms of lighting, it has been discovered that they survive best in low light.

Water Parameters

Water is by far the foremost concern as a betta fish owner. Water conditions primarily influence how your betta feels. If not provided with their specific water conditions, Betta fish might go into sudden shocks out of stress. Even though channoides are built to withstand harsh water conditions, breeding they have evolved, and it is always suggested to meet the standard water requirements.

Betta fish water requirements do not differ among species much. The only difference in the water conditions is that channoides require slightly acidic water. The tank’s water temperature should be between 74 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.  pH values should be in the range of 4.0 to 6.6. This species demands acidic environments with relatively low hardness and minimal carbonate hardness.

The cleanliness of your water and the stability of your water parameters are more crucial than the indicators themselves. Water changes should be done routinely, and a filter must be installed, which can assist keep nitrogenous compounds levels low. Assure the filter flow isn’t too high, or your betta’s swimming may suffer. A powerful stream may sway betta fish away. Thus a sponge filter’s mild and soft current is preferable.

Install an air pump to ensure a steady supply of oxygenated water. Bettas are gifted with a pair of particular labyrinth organs that assist them in breathing air directly. However, this does not imply that well-oxygenated water is not provided in the tank.

Nutrition

Betta channoides is a predatory fish that eats a wide range of meat-based meals. Tiny bugs and other reptiles and worms and eggs are likely to be eaten by Betta channoides. They will also eat conventional food after determining that it is safe. Channoides can be fed various canned, refrigerated, and live diets.

Variety is crucial when serving betta channoides. Your betta fish will be deficient in some nutrients if you feed one type of food. Nourish your betta with moderation. Because they consume all, you give them, overfeeding is a common mistake.

Betta Channoides Vs Betta Albimarginata:

Basis	Betta Channoides	Betta Albimarginata
Dorsal Fin	Reddish orange fin with a thick white border	Darker dorsal fins, which are usually entirely black.
Body Color	More edged towards a scarlet body-color	They are brick red
Aggression	Relative albimarginata they are less aggressive	They are more aggressive
Breeding	After breeding, they have relatively small baby numbers.	They reproduce many betta fry.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs):

Final Thoughts:

Betta channoides are usually suggested as a starter betta species for individuals looking to venture into the unknown. They’re adorable, stay trim, and aren’t particularly hostile. They’re also one of the most superficial species to nurse, with many keepers claiming that they’re easier to reproduce than guppies.