EMPEROR ⚔️ SNAKEHEAD (yellow sentarum) 💛 new addition to my channa collection

Puli vaha #malabarsnakehead # puli vaha
#channamaru aka #emperorsnakehead
-#Snakehead tank setup
How to make Snakehead aggressive #snakeheadfishing malayalam
-snakehead fish aquarium
-snakehead fish feeding
-snakehead fish breeding
- Types of Snakehead
-#channadiplogramma breeding
- Giant snakehead
Types of channa marulioides
•yellow sentarum
•yellow riau
•yellow jambi
•yellow trengannu
•yellow surathani
• Red sentarum
•Red barito
•Red sampit
•Red pankalan bun
•Red seruyan
**Channa marulioides**, commonly known as the **Emperor Snakehead**, is a striking species of snakehead fish native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. This species is known for its vibrant coloration, often featuring shades of yellow, orange, and red, as well as its distinct black and white bands. The Emperor Snakehead is a carnivorous predator, highly adaptable, and known for its aggressive nature when hunting. It can grow up to 65 cm (around 2 feet) in length, making it one of the larger members of the snakehead family.
Key Characteristics of Channa marulioides:
- **Size**: Can reach up to 65 cm (about 2 feet) in length.
- **Color**: Known for its brilliant colors, often with shades of yellow, orange, red, and black bands.
- **Habitat**: Found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and swamps of Southeast Asia.
- **Diet**: Carnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, amphibians, and other aquatic prey.
- **Breathing**: Capable of breathing atmospheric air, allowing it to survive in low-oxygen waters.
Types or Variations of Channa marulioides
Though not officially classified into many subspecies, *Channa marulioides* shows significant regional variation in terms of coloration and patterns, which often leads aquarists to refer to different types based on their origin or appearance. These are more commonly known as "variants" rather than true subspecies.
1. *Channa marulioides "Yellow" Variant*
- This variant is highly sought after for its vibrant yellow body color, often with orange highlights. The contrast between the bright yellow and the darker bands along its body makes it a favorite in the aquarium trade.
- Found primarily in Malaysia and parts of Indonesia.
2. *Channa marulioides "Red" Variant*
- Characterized by its reddish or deep orange hue, this variant can exhibit brighter colors along the fins and body. It’s often referred to as the "Red Emperor Snakehead" due to the stunning crimson tones.
- This type is commonly found in the wild in Sumatra and Borneo.
3. *Channa marulioides "Blue/Black" Variant*
- A rarer variant, it features darker tones of blue and black on its body, often with more subtle banding compared to other color forms. This coloration gives it a more muted, shadowy appearance, making it distinct from the more brightly colored varieties.
- It is reported to occur in certain regions of Thailand and Malaysia.
4. *Channa marulioides "Golden" Variant*
- Known for its golden-yellow body with less pronounced black bands. This variant is a prized specimen in the aquarium trade for its regal and striking appearance, especially under proper lighting.
- Found in various parts of Indonesia and Thailand.
5. *Channa marulioides "Albino" or "Leucistic"*
- Though extremely rare, there are occasional reports of albino or leucistic forms of Channa marulioides. These fish exhibit pale, almost white bodies with pinkish eyes, lacking the typical dark pigments.
Behavior and Habitat
Channa marulioides thrives in slow-moving or still freshwater habitats, such as swamps, lakes, and rivers with dense vegetation. The species can live in oxygen-poor environments thanks to its ability to breathe atmospheric air using a specialized labyrinth organ. Due to its predatory nature, this species is solitary and highly territorial, making it a dominant force in its habitat.
Channa marulioides is highly prized among aquarists for its beauty, size, and unique behavior, but it requires large tanks and expert care due to its territorial and predatory tendencies.