Care
The Peacock snakehead is native to rocky hill streams with strong seasonal changes in water flow and temperature.
Its aquarium should be spacious with plenty of hiding places amongst driftwood and rocky caves, with plenty of water movement during the cooler winter, followed by still conditions in the summer. Providing surface cover in the form of floating plant species will help provide the right conditions for breeding. It is essential that the aquarium has a tight fitting lid as these fishes are expert jumpers, and a small gap must be left between the surface of the water and the coverslides in order for the fish to come up and take in humid air. Using a tall aquarium with a low water level planted in a paludarium style, greatly reduces the likelihood of jumping, as well as providing plenty of surface cover and natural control of dissolved wastes. Snakeheads are obligate air breathers, which means they must have access to atmospheric air or they will drown.
Young pulchra snakeheads may be kept in groups until two fish pair up, after which they'll usually prove compatible in the longer term in the right set up. These fish are best maintained in a species-only aquarium, if tankmates are desired, they must be able to tolerate the seasonally low winter temperatures required as this species needs a seasonal change in temperature and maintenance to emulate the wet and dry months. During the winter period that coincides with the dry season, the fishes' metabolism will slow down and they will not show much interest in food. The water level can be dropped, the day length should be shortened and the reduction in waste levels means that water changes can be dramatically reduced. These annual rest periods seem to be imperative for long-term health, vitality, and breeding potential.
Confusion is possible with Channa ornatipinnis, which has larger spots and a more spotted dorsal fin.
Feeding
To ensure nutritional deficiencies are avoided, a quality dried food should be used as a staple and overfeeding should be avoided. Small live or frozen foods are eagerly accepted e.g. bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp etc. Live invertebrates are usually a firm favourite such as appropriately-sized earthworms, crickets, cockroaches and mealworms - these can be boosted by gutloading prior to being offered.
Breeding
Peacock snakeheads are monogamous spawners and have been bred in the home aquarium. The fish come together in an embrace similar to that of many anabantids. The floating eggs are gathered by the male, who places them into a nest at the surface (some breeders have reported that males may also move the eggs to a cave to brood in a similar way to some species of Betta) both parents care for the fry which are free swimming a few days later, at which time the mobile youngsters are guarded by both parents who tolerate their young until the next breeding season.
