Personally, I think it is quite possible to keep these two channa species together. 
But for how long of a time frame can you keep? That would be my question or concern?
As phen_dox already said, it is probably best to mix when still juveniles... better chances to keep when raised together, but just like any other mixed species comm. tank, whether it be a cichla, polypterus, cichlid sp. tank?... aggression and tolerance levels are going to escalate as they grow and mature in time. Even then, you must also watch out for Personality and Behavior traits of individual specimans. Some may or may not be more meaner than others??
If you are going to try mixing different channa species, factors of concern I would take in mind or consideration are:
- Size of the Tank. Must be LARGE enough to accomadate the number of species you desire to keep?
- Method(s) of Introducing various specimans to one another. whether varying in different sizes and/or species. (just can't throw a channa in with another channa, just like that?!! )
- Proper Tank Layout. be sure to have enough swimming room and/or hiding places for various species. (Pleuropthalma require more swimming space & higher current levels, as to Aurantimaculata prefers less current and more wood/plant/sand-gravel substrate to hide and burrow in.)
- Keeping of TARGET fish. intended to be used by channa. Many times this will help and aid in 'balancing' aggression levels between specimans within the community tank.
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Regarding Hibernation matters goes, all I know is that pleuropthalma comes from an all year round tropical habitat/environment and aurantimaculata comes from a sub-tropical environment in India, which normally goes thru various seasonal changes & monsoons in India.
Also btw, is Hibernation really necessarily required by C. aurantimaculata? Or is it only necessary when trying to mimic their natural biotope, in an attempt to breed them? Like some turtles, I know they go thru a hibernation period, but it is not totally necessary when just keeping or raising them?? Anybody, your thoughts on this?
Anyways, if you do decide to try, please be sure to keep us posted and updated. Like Stotty already said, it's basically all 'hit & miss', 'trial & error' basis. Good luck and happy keeping!
But for how long of a time frame can you keep? That would be my question or concern? As phen_dox already said, it is probably best to mix when still juveniles... better chances to keep when raised together, but just like any other mixed species comm. tank, whether it be a cichla, polypterus, cichlid sp. tank?... aggression and tolerance levels are going to escalate as they grow and mature in time. Even then, you must also watch out for Personality and Behavior traits of individual specimans. Some may or may not be more meaner than others??
If you are going to try mixing different channa species, factors of concern I would take in mind or consideration are:
- Size of the Tank. Must be LARGE enough to accomadate the number of species you desire to keep?
- Method(s) of Introducing various specimans to one another. whether varying in different sizes and/or species. (just can't throw a channa in with another channa, just like that?!! )
- Proper Tank Layout. be sure to have enough swimming room and/or hiding places for various species. (Pleuropthalma require more swimming space & higher current levels, as to Aurantimaculata prefers less current and more wood/plant/sand-gravel substrate to hide and burrow in.)
- Keeping of TARGET fish. intended to be used by channa. Many times this will help and aid in 'balancing' aggression levels between specimans within the community tank.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Regarding Hibernation matters goes, all I know is that pleuropthalma comes from an all year round tropical habitat/environment and aurantimaculata comes from a sub-tropical environment in India, which normally goes thru various seasonal changes & monsoons in India.
Also btw, is Hibernation really necessarily required by C. aurantimaculata? Or is it only necessary when trying to mimic their natural biotope, in an attempt to breed them? Like some turtles, I know they go thru a hibernation period, but it is not totally necessary when just keeping or raising them?? Anybody, your thoughts on this?
Anyways, if you do decide to try, please be sure to keep us posted and updated. Like Stotty already said, it's basically all 'hit & miss', 'trial & error' basis. Good luck and happy keeping!
