蓝宝石雷龙 · Lal Cheng

Overview

Channa andrao combines a relatively small adult size with vivid color, pair interaction, and brood care. Defined cool and warm seasons are essential; constant high temperature is inappropriate. Air breathing also makes a secure lid and access to humid air above the water practical necessities.

Distribution & habitat

It is native to the Brahmaputra basin of northeastern India. Confirmed records center on Lefraguri swamp near Barobisha in West Bengal, while trade collections suggest additional populations. Monsoon flooding alternates with drier conditions.

The type locality has been observed as a shallow, silty forest swamp with turbid water and abundant submerged vegetation. Fish retreat into water-containing burrows during dry and winter periods, emerging to feed and breed when flooding returns.

Aquarium setup

Allow at least about 80 × 30 cm for a pair and more for a group, with water deeper than 30 cm. Dim light, floating plants, submerged cover, and leaves provide security. Close the lid tightly but leave a humid air space between it and the water.

Provide distinct winter and summer periods rather than a constant temperature. Feed much less during the cool phase; the water level can decline naturally instead of continually being topped back to its warm-season level.

Diet & feeding

This obligate predator probably takes insects and other invertebrates in nature. Juveniles can receive bloodworms, small earthworms, and chopped shrimp. Adults accept varied fish strips, whole shrimp, mussels, live river shrimp, and larger earthworms. Crickets or fruit flies are also suitable when fed nutritious fish food or vegetable matter beforehand.

Some individuals accept dry foods, but these should not form the staple. Adults need not eat daily even in warm conditions, and fatty foods should be limited to once weekly. Avoid beef heart, chicken, and other mammalian or bird meat. Routine feeder fish are unnecessary and introduce parasite or disease risks.

Behaviour & compatibility

A dedicated aquarium is preferable, although carefully chosen peaceful, nonterritorial companions can work. Juveniles coexist more readily than mature fish. Aggression usually increases with maturity, with females often more forceful. A formed pair is generally peaceful together but hostile to other conspecifics, so juvenile compatibility does not justify permanent group housing.

Sexual dimorphism

Females tend to be larger, heavier, and redder. Males have slightly extended dorsal and anal fins and more extensive blue iridescence on unpaired fins. Viewed from above, male heads are usually broader.

Breeding

The male mouthbroods, and captive reproduction is well established. Without a proven pair, begin with six to eight juveniles and let partners form, then remove the others. Prolonged warm-season conditions with temporarily reduced water changing and disturbance have been used to encourage spawning, within an annual seasonal cycle.

After the spawning embrace, the male collects fertilized eggs. Incubation usually takes three to five days but can last longer with inexperienced males. Once fry swim freely, females provide unfertilized feeding eggs. Parental care generally continues for several weeks.

Notes

Pelvic fins are absent. Compared with Channa bleheri, the tail lacks orange blotches, the pectorals have fewer dark bands, and reproduction involves mouthbrooding. Historical labels such as Lal Cheng and Assam do not by themselves establish identity.