Goldspotted snakehead

The golden cobra snakehead is a stunning medium-to-large predatory fish from the Brahmaputra River basin in Assam, India. It displays a beautiful pattern of golden spots against a dark background, with adults reaching about 40 cm. This is a subtropical species, not a true tropical fish, a distinction that is critical for its long-term health and longevity.

The single most important aspect of golden cobra snakehead care is providing a seasonal temperature cycle. The published range runs from 10 to 28 °C, which is wide because the fish is kept seasonally: around 22 to 26 °C through summer, then rested cool over winter. Skipping that cool rest shortens its life. Maintaining tropical temperatures year-round leads to lethargy, health problems, and ultimately lethal bacterial infections. The aquarium must be securely covered with a heavy lid, as snakeheads are obligate air breathers and notorious escape artists.

A minimum tank size of 540 litres is required, with a sandy substrate (they like to dig), plenty of cover including driftwood, rocky caves, dense planting, and floating plants. Water parameters should be pH 6.0-8.0 with moderate hardness. This species is an aggressive, highly territorial predator best kept singly or as a bonded pair raised together from juvenile stock. It should not be combined with small tankmates. Diet is carnivorous: earthworms, crustaceans, insect larvae, prawns, and carnivore pellets, fed every 2-3 days due to their slower subtropical metabolism. The golden cobra snakehead is strictly for experienced keepers who can provide the specialised conditions it requires.