I’ve kept all three—Channa micropeltes, striata, and marulius—and each one offers a different experience.
Striata is definitely the most aggressive in my experience. They tend to be unpredictable and very territorial, often showing aggression toward anything that moves.
Micropeltes, while still highly aggressive, is a bit more straightforward. They’re powerful predators and grow extremely fast, so they require a massive tank and careful planning. Juveniles can be deceivingly calm, but adults are another story.
Marulius is somewhat in between. Still territorial and aggressive, but slightly more manageable compared to the other two. They seem to adapt well but still prefer their own space.
As for tank mates, I wouldn’t recommend keeping any of them with others unless you have an enormous setup and even then, it's risky. In most cases, solo setups work best for long-term health and safety—for both the snakehead and anything else in the tank.
If you're considering one, make sure you're ready for their size, aggression, and appetite. Each species is impressive, but definitely not for casual or small setups.
Let me know if you want to make it shorter or more focused on one species!
