Giant snakehead

The giant snakehead is one of the largest members of its family, commonly reaching about 1 m and occasionally more. Juveniles are strikingly marked with red and black stripes, fading to a plain grey-green as they mature. Native to large rivers, canals and reservoirs across Southeast Asia, it is an apex ambush predator and among the most aggressive aquarium fish, capable of injuring keepers when guarding fry. It grows far too large for most private aquaria and demands an enormous, heavily built tank with a very secure, weighted lid, as it breathes air and readily jumps. Keep one specimen only; it will attack tankmates and even conspecifics. Diet is strictly carnivorous, taking fish, crustaceans and other meaty foods. Purchased tiny and cheap, it quickly becomes an unmanageable giant, so it is strictly for dedicated advanced hobbyists.