Channa Pulchra

[DarkEntity]

Hi People,

I have an opportunity to pick-up some Channa Pulchra at about 4"-5" in length, i only really want 2, a male and female can anyone advise how you sex these?

I've had a google and there doesn't seem to be any definitive answers..that i can find....

looking for a quick turnaround...as there are 6 left

 

[CFC]

There is no way to sex Channa species and buying them in pairs is not a good idea, snakeheads are either kept on their own or in groups of 6 or more until a pair forms, keeping in numbers less than 6 will just result in a lot of dead snakeheads.

 

[DarkEntity]

that's what i thought...oh well, need to speak nicely to the Mrs and stress how much we need a new tank

 

[Jelly]

There is no way to sex Channa species and buying them in pairs is not a good idea, snakeheads are either kept on their own or in groups of 6 or more until a pair forms, keeping in numbers less than 6 will just result in a lot of dead snakeheads.

For alot of snakeheads this is true, However. Pulchra are known to be mouth brooders. This would mean if viewed from above you should be able to see a bulge on the cheeks of the male. With snakeheads its usually the male that broods the eggs.

This is of course difficult if they are not mature and just because you have a male and a female this does not guarantee a pair. They can be picky over partners. The usual method is to buy six and the odds are one pair will form.

I will be picking one maybe two next weekend.