Care
A feisty dwarf snakehead, andrao is named in honour of Andrew Rao and found in the Lefraguri swamp in West Bengal in thickly vegetated, still water.
Although small, its aquarium should be spacious with plenty of hiding places amongst driftwood, rocky caves, and areas of dense planting. Provide an abundance of surface cover in the form of floating plant species to help diffuse the light. Filtration should be efficient with areas of moderate water movement and quieter resting areas out of the current. 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 snakeheads may be kept in groups until two fish pair up but pairs should be monitored for aggression, especially after spawning. 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. Successful set ups really do echo the swamps that these fish call home. These annual rest periods seem to be imperative for long-term health, vitality, and breeding potential.
Prior to its scientific description, this fish was known by a few names - Blue bleheri, Lal Cheng and Channa sp. 'Assam'
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
Andrao 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 eggs are gathered by the male, who broods them in his mouth for a few days whilst hiding. Territorial defence is carried out by the female, who feeds the 20-50 fry with infertile eggs until they start to hunt for small invertebrates and for some time afterwards.
