Channa gachua, the dwarf snakehead, is a species of snakehead. It is one of the dwarf snakeheads, and has a length of up to 20 cm (8 in). It gave its name to the aquarists' term dwarf snakeheads to denote the smaller Channa species.

It can be found in Asian countries from Pakistan to Indonesia. Modern ichthyology considers this fish to be a species complex, i.e. that it consists of several closely related species. Because of its pretty coloration and small size, it is an attractive fish and is commonly kept in aquaria. It is a mouthbrooder and eats a wide range of foods including insects and small fish, but no animals like frogs. It is a hardy fish that can tolerate large changes in temperature and acidity.