Snakehead feeding with pellet are cultured widely in Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta. Snakehead production increases from 5,300 ton in 2002 to 40,000 ton in 2009. In 2012 and 2013, total productions of Tra Vinh, An Giang and Dong Thap provinces are 35,818 and 36,140 tones, respectively. Snakehead are carnivorous but can be weaned onto pelleted or extruded feeds. They are air-breathers and can tolerate very low oxygen. Optimal temperatures are 20-35°C, optimal pH is 6-8 and optimal salinity is 0-6 ppt. It matures at 10-12 months old and naturally spawns during the rainy season. They produce large eggs with oil-droplets and float to the surface. The eggs hatch one day after spawning at 26-28°C. The larvae move belly-up against the surface but swim normally after 3 days when the yolk sac is absorbed. The parents take care and protect the larvae.
Under CAST-CE SAIN-CTU project, technics of seed production were tranferred to RUA (Cambodia) hatchery. Snakehead brooders were injected with HCG and they spawned naturally. Fry are fed 3 times/day (at 9:00, 14:00, and 18:00) at satiation (about 10-15% body weight) with following regime.