Parachanna africana, the African snakehead or Niger snakehead, is a species of fish from west-central Africa. Little is published on its biology. Limited primarily to coastal sections of rivers, it is thought to be a nest-building, thrust predator like other Channidae. Its native range is southern Benin to southern Nigeria, primarily the Oueme River and the basin of the Niger River. This specie also referred to as "African snake Head" or "Niger snake head" is uncommon in the aquarium trade. In Nigeria, it is culture for human consumption and used in medicine. This specie is sometimes mistaken for Congener P. obscura, but following Bonou and Teugal (1985), P. Africana can be distinguished from Congener P. obscura by the following combination of characteristics since sometimes they are misapplied: Colour pattern is unique – Parachanna africana has a series of 8–11 dark chevron-shaped markings extending along the body posterior to the operculum 19–24 scales in the transverse series Lateral line complete with 73–83 pores scales 32–35 anal-fin rays. Most times, the chevron marking may not be visible in a live specimen; this depends on the mood of the fish. Description Diagnosis: The body of the specie is elongated, tapering backwards; lateral line scale medium-sized, head depressed anteriorly and covered with larger scales. Lower jaw slightly longer than upper, with 3–4 well developed canines; dorsal fin with 45–48, 8–11 Chevron-shaped dark bars onside. Coloration: The body color is light to dark grey, back and top of the head darker, underside lighter, dark lateral band on head, broadening between hind margin of the eye and hind margin of Gill cover, followed by a large, rounded black spot; small rounded black spot at the caudal fin. Habitat P.africana are freshwater species; Benthopelagic species. They primarily inhabit lowlands, coastal river basins, swamps, lakes, and man-made reservoirs. Maintenance This fish specie prefers a dimly-lit aquarium with a layer of surface vegetation such as Ceratopteris spp plus some submerged cover. It is essential to use a tightly – fitting hood since Parachanna spp are notorious for their ability to escape and a gap should be left between this and the water surface as they require access to a layer of humid air. ■The water condition should have a temperature of about 20–25-degree Celsius, A pH of 5•0–7•5 and the hardness of the water should be 36 – 268ppm Diet P.africana is an ambush predator that feeds on smaller