Hey.
As I don't know the context, and am still learning myself, I can only speculate, so take it with a grain of salt please.
My channa is a little bigger than yours, and when I was going to take him home I was told he'd been fed two days prior, as it's best they aren't moved on a full stomach.
Was also told to not panic if he didn't eat, that he'd he'd be ok for about a week with no food as long as everything else about him seemed healthy.
He didn't eat for almost a full week.
Eventually I went and bought some live food to sort of jump-start him, showed him the bag and he seemed eager to eat.
But if I'd just left him alone, eventually he would have eaten pellets too. He does now.
If you can test your water, or take some in a bottle to a pet store, they should be able to help you do so. Always good to know for context.
Have you made any recent changes in the aquarium or around it that may have stressed your Channa out? Changed or modified your filter? Had drastic temperature changes?
They're very clever and attuned fish, so small things may be imposing to them. If there are high levels of nh4 or n02 in the tank and you need to change the water, do so.
Avoid putting your Channa in another tank while you change the water.
Use water that's the same temperature as your tank, always preferable to let it "age" in buckets overnight. Treat the water with aquatan or other product that preps your water and makes it safe, bacteria and your recommended/previous same dose of salt.
If your water is fine and everything else works, try to leave the tank and fish alone and don't change things or fuss too much.
Don't put food in unless they seem interested.. Sorry this was long, best of luck?
