Snakehead Fishes

Fact Sheets

Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture

(ICAR)
Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar-751 002, Odisha, India
Snakehead Fishes Fact Sheets
2012

Compiled by :
Dr. Kuldeep Kumar
Dr. Rajesh Kumar
Dr. Shailesh Saurabh
Dr. Minakshi Sahoo
Ms. Amita Kumari Mohanty
Mr. P. L. Lalrinsanga
Dr. U. L. Mohanty
Dr. A. K. Sahu
Dr. P. Jayasankar

Published by :

Director
Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture,
Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar-751 002, Odisha, India

Printed at :
Capital Business Service & Consultancy
B-51, Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar
E-mail : capital_a1press@yahoo.com, smehena@gmail.com
Prologue
“The Fact Sheets is the compilation of
information on the unique group of fishes
which are favoured as food throughout
South Asian countries. Fishes of these genera
are rich in nutritive and medicinal values.
Details incorporated in this sheet have been
collected from the sources cited elsewhere.
The main idea behind this compilation is to
provide information to the researchers,
academicians, students, stakeholders and
aquaculturists”.

Compilers
 Contents
Introduction 1-3
Channa amphibeus 4
Channa argus 5
Channa asiatica 6
Channa aurantimaculata 7
Channa bankanensis 8
Channa barca 9
Channa baramensis 10
Channa bleheri 11
Channa burmanica 12
Channa cyanospilos 13
Channa diplogramma 14
Channa gachua 15
Channa harcourtbutleri 16
Channa lucius 17
Channa maculata 18
Channa marulius 19
Channa maruliodes 20
Channa melanoptera 21
Channa melanostigma 22
Channa melasoma 23
Channa micropeltes 24
Channa nox 25
Channa orientalis 26
Channa ornatipinnis 27
Channa panaw 28
Channa pleurophthalma 29
Channa pulchra 30
Channa punctatus 31
Channa stewartii 32
Channa striatus 33
Parachanna africana 34
Parachanna insignis 35
Parachanna obscura 36
Bibliography 37-38
 1

Introduction
Snakeheads, also known as murrels or serpent-headed fish, are a peculiar
group of freshwater fishes having accessory respiratory organ to utilize
atmospheric air for respiration that enables them to thrive in oxygen
depleted waters. They are native to Asia and Africa. It is an important food
fish in its entire native range and is of considerable economic importance.
Snakeheads are taxonomically classified as:
Phylum : Chordata
Superclass : Gnathostomata
Series : Pisces
Class : Teleostomi
Subclass : Actinopterygii
Order : Perciformes /Channiformes
Suborder : Channoidei
Family : Channidae (Syn: Ophiocephalidae)
Genus : Channa (Syn: Ophiocephalus)
Parachanna
The Asian genus Channa, which presently contains more than 30 species,
is widely distributed in southern Asia (the Indian subcontinent including
Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia,
Indonesia and Philippines), Iran and the far east (China, Taiwan, Korea
and Southern Russia). The African genus Parachanna contains only three
species, which are restricted to Central West Africa. Of the 30 species
under the genus Channa, India possesses 13 species (Table 1). According to
FAO, the total production of Channa sp. in India is 39,994 tonnes.
Channa striatus is the most cultivable species among snakeheads in India.
The Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar has
developed induced breeding, seed rearing and culture techniques of this
species.
Among snakeheads, the species of aquaculture importance are C. striatus,
C. marulius, C. punctatus, C. maculatus and C. micropeltes. The C. striatus, C.
marulius and C. micropeltes grow to sizes of 1-1.2 m whereas dwarf species,

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C. orientalis grows to about 13 cm in size. However, it is reported that C.

marulius has grown up to 180 cm in length and about 30 kg in weight in
Maharashtra, India. Though the adult snakeheads of any size have a
market in Asian countries, the preferred size is between 600 to 1000 g.
These fishes are elongated with snake like depressed head, dark in
appearance with dark brown mottling, long dorsal and ventral fins
without spine and jaws containing numerous canines like teeth and an
accessory air breathing apparatus known as the suprabranchial organ. It is
common in freshwater plains, where it migrates from rivers and lakes into
flooded fields, returning to the permanent water bodies in the dry season.
These fishes hibernate during peak winter and go dormant in the muds
during dry season. They are predators and selective feeder. It consumes
plankton, aquatic insects, tadpoles, small fishes, snails etc. The feeding
habit changes with the age and size of the fishes. The feeding intensity is
more during day time. Snakeheads are found in freshwater swamps,
ponds, paddy fields, ditches etc. These fishes breed naturally in rivers,
reservoirs, lakes, swamps, jheels, beels and large tanks during southwest
monsoon and north-east monsoon in India. Mature fishes form
monogamous pairs and remain together throughout breeding season.
During spawning the pair move up and the male wraps its body around the
female. Males and females both help to construct a nest out of water
vegetation during breeding time and lay eggs. The eggs are free floating
and are guarded by the parents. Among several species of snakehead fishes,
C. gachua, C. orentalis etc. are the species where male are mouth breeders
and take care of eggs and hatchlings.
Snakehead fishes are a delicacy among the consumers of China, Thailand,
Singapore, Indonesia and India for its tenderness, less muscular spines
and distinctive aroma. These fishes have highly nutritive, recuperative and
medicinal values and well known for its taste. C. striatus, commonly
known as striped snakehead has bio-medicinal properties viz., wound
healing, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive properties of the mucous,
induction of platelet aggregation, anti-microbial and antifungal etc. The
fish contains all the essential amino acids for wound healing particularly
glycine as well as high levels of arachidonic acid, a precursor for
prostaglandin and thromboxin, which is responsible for blood clotting
and fusion of endothelial tissue during normal healing. Therefore, the fish
is an excellent source of dietary protein for human. Reports also says that
orally administered C. striatus extract against experimentally induced

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osteoarthritis in rabbit have shown encouraging results. It may be possible

to use the same in human being after trial in future. The fish contain all
the essential elements which are required to maintain good health and
helps recover the lost energy during illness.
Among the several snakehead species some assume a special status from
consumers and culture point of view. Many of them are commercially
cultured in India, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Indonesia and
Cambodia and are sold in live condition.

Table 1: Snakehead fishes reported in India

Sl. No Scientific name Common name
1 Channa amphibeus Borna snakehead
2 Channa aurantimaculata Orange-spotted snakehead
3 Channa barca Barca snakehead
4 Channa bleheri Rainbow snakehead
5 Channa diplogramma Malabar snakehead
6 Channa gachua Dwarf snakehead
7 Channa marulius Giant snakehead
8 Channa melanostigma Not known
9 Channa micropeltes Redline snakehead
10 Channa orientalis Asiatic snakehead
11 Channa punctatus Spotted snakehead
12 Channa stewartii Assamese snakehead
13 Channa striatus Striped or Banded snakehead

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Channa amphibeus

Common name : Borna or Chel Snakehead

Species Authority : McClelland, 1845

Identification: Body elongated and fairly rounded in cross section

with blue or iridescent green colour. Dark spots on the ventral side but
no spot on belly with 13-16 irregular vertical bands (bright orange
bordered with brown colour) along the body. Maximum length up to
25 cm. Dorsal fin rays: 50; anal fin rays: 35; pectoral fin rays: 15; ventral
fin rays: 6. Gular part of head without patch of scales. Mouth large,
maxilla extending far beyond posterior margin of eye.
Distribution: It is native to the Chel River (in the drainage of the
Brahmaputra) and in north Bengal, India; of the Bhutan foothills;
mostly in warm temperate to subtropical climate.
Habitat and ecology: Rivers, streams, ponds, perhaps swamps in
the Chel River basin, Brahmaputra drainage of northeastern India
and Bhutan.
Reproduction: No specific information but probably builds a
cylindrical nest in vegetation and produces pelagic eggs.
Conservation status: Endangered.

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Channa argus

Common name : Northern Snakehead

Species Authority : Cantor, 1842

Identification: Torpedo shaped body with golden tan to pale

brown with dark blotches on the side and saddle-like blotches across
the back. Small anteriorly depressed head, eye above the middle part
of the upper jaw, large mouth extending well beyond the eye. Dorsal
fin rays: 49-50; anal fin rays: 31-32. Maximum length up to 100 cm
and weight up to 8 kg.
Distribution: It is native to China, North and South Asian
countries.
Habitat and ecology: It has a broad range of environmental
tolerance and is extremely hardy. However, it cannot tolerate salinity
in excess of 10 ppt. Inhabits stagnant shallow ponds or swamps with
mud substrate and aquatic vegetation; slow muddy streams. Also
occurs in canals, reservoirs, lakes and rivers.
Reproduction: It attains maturity and breeds in two to three years
of life. Female produce eggs one to five times per year and release
22000-51000 eggs per spawning. Fertilization is external and occurs
during early morning in shallow waters. Eggs are non-adhesive,
floating and yellow in colour and take approximately 28 hours to
hatch at 310C. Parental care exists.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa asiatica

Common name : Chinese or Small Snakehead

Species Authority : Linnaeus, 1758

Identification: Colour pattern distinct with dark chevrons on

sides and large ocellus centered on caudal peduncle. Maximum
length up to 34 cm. Gular region of head without patch of scales.
Pelvic fins absent. Dorsal fin rays : 44; anal fin rays: 26; pectoral fin
rays: 14. Lateral line scales 57; predorsal scales 12; rows of scales
between dorsal origin and lateral line 5; rows scales between lateral
line and midline of belly 16. The center of the ocellus is not round
but more quadrangular in shape.
Distribution: Native to Yangtze River of China; also found in
Taiwan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Southern Japan
Habitat and ecology: Benthopelagic habitat and probably a
riverine species.
Reproduction: This species does not build a nest but provides
parental care. Eggs are small and floating. The male is perhaps a
mouth breeder. Hatching occurs in about 24 hours at 28 0C.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa aurantimaculata

Common name : Orange-spotted Snakehead

Species authority : Musikasinthorn, 2000

Identification: Body is brownish in colour intermixed with

vertical orange stripes. This species grows up to 40 cm. Head
elongated, mouth large, inter-orbital region almost flat, dorsal fin
rays: 45-47, anal fin rays: 28-30, lateral line scales: 51-54, cheek scales:
8-12, total vertebrae: 50-52, two large scales on each side of
undersurface of lower jaw, the upper half of body darkish brown to
black with 7 or 8 large orange irregular blotches and 5 broad vivid
vertical black bands on the pectoral fins with a black blotch at the
base .
Distribution: It is found in the Brahmaputra River basin near
Dibrugarh, Assam, India.
Habitat and ecology: Streams, ponds and swamps adjacent to
the Brahmaputra River in subtropical rainforest conditions.
Reproduction: Probably it is a mouth-brooder as most of the
smaller snakeheads. There is no information regarding breeding but
probably a nest builder with pelagic eggs.
Conservation status: Endangered.

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Channa bankanensis

Common name : Bangka Snakehead

Species Authority : Bleeker, 1852

Identification: Reddish-brown colouration, patch of scales

present on top of the head. Numerous spots on fins. Large canine-
like teeth of pre-vomer and palatines. Lateral line scales 55-68, rows
scales between lateral line and dorsal origin 4 1/2, rows scales below
lateral line and anal fin origin 7-9, preopercular scales: 5-10; Dorsal
fin rays: 31-45; anal fin rays: 20-31.
Distribution: Sumatra, Bangka Island, Rivers of central, southern,
and western Kalimantan. Peat swamps of Selangor, peninsular
Malaysia.
Habitat and ecology: Prefers submerged vegetation in tannin
and humic acid enriched backwaters (pH 2.8-3.8) and moderately
fast-flowing streams in peat swamps. Also found in upper and
middle reaches of rivers.
Reproduction: No specific information but likely a nest builder
with pelagic eggs.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa barca

Common name : Barca Snakehead

Species Authority : Hamilton, 1822

Identification: Body elongated, mostly rounded. Dark violet colour

on back and fading to dull white below; back and flanks with large
black blotches. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins with black blotches, fin
edges are red, pectoral fins reddish with numerous black spots.
Mouth large; lower jaw with a few canines behind a single row of
villiform. Scales on top of head large; 9 rows scales between pre-
opercular angle and posterior border of orbit; predorsal scales 15; 60
to 65 scales in longitudinal series. Dorsal fin rays : 47-52; anal fin rays :
34-36; pectoral fin rays : 16; pelvic fin rays : 6.
Distribution: Endemic to Ganga and Brahmaputra River basin,
India and Bangladesh
Habitat and ecology: It inhabits in rivers of hilly areas, suggesting
it is a warm temperate species.
Reproduction: No detailed information but like other snakehead
species, it is assumed to make nest in near shore vegetation and lay
eggs, which following fertilization rise to the surface where they are
guarded vigorously by one or both parents.
Conservation action: Endangered.

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Channa baramensis

Common name : Baram Snakehead

Species Authority : Steindachner, 1901

Identification: This species appears to be most closely related to

C. melasoma. Dorsal fin rays: 38-40; anal fin rays: 23-26; pre-dorsal
scales: 8-9; lateral line scales: 51-52. No patch of scales on gular region.
Black pigment (melanin) concentrated in the central part of most
scales; there is a distinct barred pattern on the caudal fin in adult fish.
Distribution: Northern Sarawak, Brunei and Western Sabah
Habitat and ecology: Known from blackwater swamps and small
to moderate sized streams of forest areas.
Reproduction: A nest builder like other snakehead fishes with
probably only one parent guarding eggs and young ones.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa bleheri

Common name : Rainbow Snakehead

Species Authority : Vierke, 1991

Identification: No area of scales in gular region. No pelvic fins.

Dorsal fin rays: 36-37; anal fin rays: 24; predorsal scales: 6-7; lateral
line scales: 45-46. One or two large scales on undersurface of lower
jaw. Live adults have large irregular red or orange spots that
sometimes coalesce. This is the most colourful of all snakehead
species. Newly hatched larvae are colourless. When they reach a
length of 1 cm, the dorsum and sides of the body becomes “canary”
yellow, with a dark bar on the head, angled from the tip of the lower
jaw, through the eye, to the upper margin of the operculum; the
ventral side is coloured smoke gray to black. As young continue to
grow, their colour becomes paler and an ocellus appears on the
posterior part of the dorsal fin. Later they begin to change to adult
colouration.
Distribution: Endemic to the Brahmaputra River basin, Assam,
India.
Habitat and ecology: Forest streams, ponds and swamps in
tropical rainforest conditions.
Reproduction: No specific information concerning wild
populations. Females are smaller than males of the same age and that
males grow faster than females. A male selects the nesting site, but it is
the female that appears to initiate courtship behaviour. The eggs are
small, round, transparent and float to the surface. Following hatching
both parents guard the hatchlings.

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Channa burmanica

Common name : Burmese Snakehead

Species Authority : Chaudhuri, 1919

Identification: No area of scales in the gular region. No pelvic fins.

Dorsal fin rays: 38; anal fin rays: 28. Lateral line scales: 51, with lateral
line dipping ventrally after the 12th scale. Predorsal scales 8.
Distribution: Endemic to headwaters (Kiu River) of the
Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) river in Northern Myanmar.
Habitat and ecology: Subtropical to warm temperate species.
Reproduction: No specific information available.
Conservation status: Least concern.

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Channa cyanospilos

Common name : Bluespotted Snakehead

Species Authority : Bleeker, 1853

Identification: No patch of scales in gular region of head. Dorsal fin

rays : 38-43; anal fin rays : 24-26. Lateral line scales: 51-55; predorsal
Scales: 8. Small canines present on lower jaw. Pale blue spots on the
lower half of the body from gill cover to caudal peduncle. Maximum
length up to 17.6 cm.
Distribution: Sumatra and probably peninsular Malaysia and
Kalimantan (Kapuas basin, western Borneo). Also found in Riau and
Jambi, central Sumatra.
Habitat and ecology: No specific information but reported from
a tributary in the Sungei Alas (Alas River) basin, northern Sumatra.
Reproduction: No specific information found but probably a nest
builder that guards its eggs and young ones like other snakeheads.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa diplogramma

Common name : Malabar snakehead

Species Authority : Day, 1865

Identification: Body elongated. Body depth is greatest at insertion

of dorsal fin. Head is large, long, dorsally flattened and rounded
anteriorly. It shows multiple colour phases during its life history. This
species differs from all other species in the genus by its high number
of lateral line scales (103-105 vs. 36-91). It further differs from all
other Channa species, except C. bankanensis, C. lucius, C. micropeltes
and C. pleurophthalma by the presence of gular scales. Dorsal fin rays :
43-44; anal fin rays : 26-28; pectoral fin rays : 17; pelvic fin rays : 6;
caudal fin rays : 15-17.
Distribution: Endemic to the Southern Western Ghats of
peninsular India.
Habitat and ecology: The species is a top level aquatic predator
and gregarious species with the young often following both parents.
Reproduction: Not known.
Conservation status: Endangered.
Remarks: It is one of the most enigmatic and least known among all
snakeheads. The close similarity of adult specimens in museum
collections and the fact that no taxonomist has studied this
snakehead since its description, resulted in the acceptance of the
synonymy by subsequent taxonomists. In 2011, the C. diplogramma has
been shown to be a valid species 134 years after it was synonymized,
making it a valid endemic species of peninsular India.

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Channa gachua

Common name : Dwarf Snakehead

Species Authority : Hamilton, 1822

Identification: No patch of scales in the gular region. Pelvic fin

present. Dorsal fin rays: 32-37; anal fin rays: 20-23. Lateral line scales:
39-47. Lower jaw with 10-20 canines posterior to a single row of
villiform teeth. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins with white margin,
ocellated spot often present near posterior end of dorsal fin.
Distribution: Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, China, Thailand, Iran,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia etc.
Habitat and ecology: Present in almost all wetlands.
Reproduction: Breeds when it attains a size of 12 cm and above in
its natural habitat. Water replenishment with cold water triggers
spawning. Parental care is exhibited by fish where males are mouth
breeders.
Conservation status: Least concern.

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Channa harcourtbutleri

Common name : Burmese/Inle Snakehead

Species Authority : Annandale, 1918

Identification: No patch of scales in gular region of head. Lateral

line curves downward between scales 15-16. Lateral line scales: 44-45;
transverse scales: 4; predorsal scales: 4; dorsal fin rays: 34-38; anal fin
rays: 23-26; pectoral fin rays: 14-15. Maximum length up to 18.5 cm.
Distribution: It is found in Yawnghwe and nearby areas of
Myanmar.
Habitat and ecology: Tropical/sub-tropical, warm thermal
springs and their outflows. It is also found in lakes with muddy
bottom with weed infested area.
Reproduction: No specific information is available.
Conservation status: Near threatened.

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Channa lucius

Common name : Splendid Snakehead

Species Authority : Cuvier, 1831

Identification: It has a distinct series of port-hole markings on the

side and has a more tapering head compared to other snakeheads.
Juveniles are pale and have three lateral stripes from head to tail.
Dorsal soft rays (total): 37-41; anal soft rays: 25 - 30; vertebral rays: 43 -
48. Patch of scales present on gular portion. Head and body with 2
bold stripes running from the tip of the snout to the middle of the
caudal fin, one on the upper and the other on the lower part of the
body; with growth the bands gradually break up into several (5-9)
black blotches in adults. Belly with oblique bars; rows scales between
lateral line and base of anterior dorsal rays 5.
Distribution: Rivers of South-Eastern Sumatra and the Kapuas
basin of Western Kalimantan, Southern Borneo, Mekong basin of
Laos. Also found in China, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia.
Habitat and ecology: Preferred habitat is slowly moving streams
and rivers as well as lakes, ponds, and reservoirs from Thailand to
Indonesia. Usually found in areas with much aquatic vegetation as
well as submerged and woody plant.
Reproduction: A nest builder like other snakehead fishes, with
both parents guarding developing eggs and hatchlings.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa maculata

Common name : Blotched Snakehead

Species Authority : Lacepède, 1802

Identification: No patch of scales on gular region. Head profile

slightly depressed. Dorsal fin rays: 40-46; anal fin rays: 26-30. Lateral
line scales 41-60 with lateral line continuous; transverse scales below
lateral line 11; 9 scale rows between posterior rim of orbit to upper
edge of operculum. Colour pattern similar to that of C. argus; dark
stripe from tip of snout through orbit extending to almost above
anterior base of pectoral fin; second dark stripe from postero-ventral
corner of orbit to postero-ventral edge of operculum; sides of body
with two rows of large, dark blotches extending posteriorly to
anterior caudal peduncle. It reaches to length of more than 100 cm
when fully mature.
Distribution: Southern China and Northern Vietnam.
Habitat and ecology: Native range is subtropical to warm
temperate. It found in streams, lakes, ponds and ditches in southern
China; prefers shallow waters with vegetation.
Reproduction: Builds a circular open nest in vegetation. Eggs float
on surface and are guarded by the parents.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa marulius

Common name : Giant snakehead

Species Authority : Hamilton, 1822

Identification: Body elongated and fairly rounded in cross section.

Above lateral line greyish-green in colour with seven to eight dark oval
bloches on flank. Mouth large; lower jaw with 7 to 18 canines behind
a single row of villiform teeth. Distinct white spots scattered on body.
A distinct pale edged ocellus at the base of caudal fin towards upper
side. Juveniles with an orange band running from eye to middle of
caudal fin. Maximum length up to 183 cm. Dorsal fin ray: 45-55; anal
fin rays: 28-36; pectoral fin rays: 16-18; ventral fin rays: 6.
Distribution: Found in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh,
Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, China, Mekong basin of Laos and
Cambodia.
Habitat and ecology: Occurs in sluggish or standing water in
canals, lakes and swamps. Inhabits waters with submerged aquatic
vegetation. Usually found only in deep pools in rivers and
occasionally in lakes.
Reproduction: Builds floating nest of weeds and leaves where the
pale red-yellow eggs are deposited. The period of incubation of eggs at
a temperature 25-30 0C varies from 24 to 54 hours. This species
exhibits deep parental care. Both the parents together or at times
alone share responsibilities in guarding their eggs and young till attain
about 10 cm sizes. Fecundity is 2000-30,000 ova.
Conservation status: Least concern.

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Channa marulioides

Common name : Emperor Snakehead

Species Authority : Bleeker, 1851

Identification: Colour is brown or gold-tinted to dark brown with

white belly. It has got five to six large black blotches, edged with white
and white dots on tail. An ocellated spot on the upper part of the
caudal fin. Maximum size up to 65 cm. It often has a series of dark
patches of scales, the posterior and postero-dorsal scales each
marginated by white, along the side of the body, a character that is
absent in C. marulius and C. melanoptera. Dorsal fin rays: 45-47; anal
fin rays: 30-31. Lateral line scales: 55-58; predorsal scales: 13-15.
Distribution: Native to south-eastern Sumatra. It is also reported
in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
Habitat and ecology: Tropical freshwater rivers, swamp forest and
lakes.
Reproduction: No specific information found. Likely a nest
builder with parents guarding eggs and larvae.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa melanoptera

Common name : Black finned Snakehead

Species Authority : Bleeker, 1855

Identification: Body slender with maximum length of 65 cm.

Dorsal fin rays: 44-48; anal fin rays: 28-32. Lateral line scales: 54-57;
predorsal scales: 13-15. Lateral line curves downward at lateral line
scales 16-18. All vertical unpaired fins are blackish. The anal and
dorsal are freckled whitish, the obliquely blue stripes, placed more
posteriorly in the latter. The caudal has no ocellus, but with the basal
half dotted blue. The upper background colour is bluish-brown,
becoming lighter below. The markings just below the lateral line
comprise of groups of about 6 scales, which are black and these form a
longitudinal series of irregular blotches.
Distribution: This species is said to range from Malaya to the
islands of Sumatra and Borneo in the Indo-Australian Archipelago.
Habitat and ecology: No specific information but appears to be a
riverine species.
Reproduction: No information is available but likely a nest builder
that provides parental protection of eggs and hatchlings.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa melanostigma

Common name : Not known

Species Authority : Geetakumari & Vishwanath, 2010

Identification: Caudal fin when stretched, distinct 14-15 black

zigzag transverse bars at irregular intervals, the interspaces being
2/3rd of the bars; dorsal fin inserted after 3-4 scales vertically above
the pectoral fin origin, 5 cheek scales, 27-28 scales around the caudal
peduncle; 50-51 vertebrae; 7 branchial tooth plates; 36-37 branched
dorsal fin rays and last dorsal fin inserted in between 41 and 43
vertebrae. Maximum length of 14.3 cm.
Distribution: Lohit river of Brahmaputra basin of Arunachal
Pradesh, India.
Habitat and ecology: Rivers and streams.
Reproduction: No information is available.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa melasoma

Common name : Black Snakehead

Species Authority : Bleeker, 1851

Identification: Body elongated and fairly rounded in cross section

with dark brown colour at ventral side and pale at dorsal side. Fins are
dusky to dark and caudal fin usually barred. Maximum length up to
35 cm. An inconspicuous spot behind the corner of mouth; yellow
spots on underside of depressed head occasionally. Dorsal fin rays: 37-
40; anal fin rays: 22-25; pectoral fin rays: 14-17. Lateral line scales: 50-
54. Young specimens have a red lateral band from snout to caudal.
Distribution: Chao Phraya River, near Bangkok, Thailand;
Mekong River in Cambodia; rivers of South East Sumatra; rivers of
Western Kalimantan, particularly the Kapuas basin (Southern
Borneo). It is also reported in Philippines, Java and Southern Malay
Peninsula.
Habitat and ecology: Tropical to sub-tropical, benthopelagic.
Mostly prefers shaded, clear water forest streams with mud bottom
and leaf litter, but also found in turbid water.
Reproduction: A nest builder like other snakehead fishes. Only
one parent guards eggs and hatchlings.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa micropeltes

Common name : Giant, Red, Redline Snakehead

Species Authority : Cuvier, 1831

Identification: Body elongated and fairly rounded in cross section

with maximum size up to 150 cm. Eye small; mouth large; body colour
varies in young and adults. The young specimens are red in colour,
with orange and black lateral stripes. As the giant snakehead matures,
they lose their stripes and redness, and instead develop a bluish black
and white pattern on their upper body. Dorsal fin rays: 43-46; anal fin
rays: 27-30; pelvic fin rays: 15; ventral fin rays: 6.
Distribution: It is widely distributed in the freshwater of South
East Asia and malabar (south-western) coast of India. Also found in
Myanmar, Thailand, Mekong basin of Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia,
Sumatra and Java.
Habitat and ecology: Freshwater lakes, rivers, canals and
reservoirs.
Reproduction: Build nest among plants by clearing an area. The
eggs float on the water surface which is guarded by both parents.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa nox

Common name : Night Snakehead

Species Authority : Zhang, Musikasinthorn, and Watanabe, 2002

Identification: Body elongated and fairly rounded in cross-section

with maximum length up to 20 cm. Upper half of the body is darker in
colour and ocellus on the caudal peduncle lacks a white rim. Dorsal
fin rays: 47-51; anal fin rays: 31-33. Pelvic fins absent. Lateral line scales
55-63; 5.5-6.5 scales above lateral line; check scales 9-13. Head small,
rounded. Gular region of head with one to two scales on either side of
underside of lower jaw. Total vertebrae: 53-55. Large ocellus, black
with white rim on caudal peduncle.
Distribution: China.
Habitat and ecology: Found in humid rainforest conditions;
appears to be a riverine species. Nevertheless, distribution within
native range indicates a warm temperate to subtropical species.
Reproduction: No specific information but likely a nest builder
like most snakeheads.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa orientalis

Common name : Asiatic Snakehead

Species Authority : Bloch and Schneider, 1801

Identification: Body elongated and fairly rounded in cross-section.

Mouth large; lower jaw with 10 to 20 canines behind single row of
villiform teeth. No patch of scales on gular region of head. Pectoral
fins extend to anal fin; pelvic fin less than 50% of pectoral fin length.
Caudal fin rounded. Dorsal fin rays: 32-37; anal fin rays: 20-23;
pectoral fin rays: 14-15; ventral fin rays: 6. Pelvic fins absent. Predorsal
scales 6-7; scales from posterior boarder of orbit to posterior edge of
preopercle 5-6. Lateral line scales 36-42. Smallest species of snakehead
typically does not exceed 13 cm.
Distribution: Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh, Burma, Indonesia and East Indies.
Habitat and ecology: It is found in mountain streams, lowland
waters, clear flowing water with silt or gravel substrate, shallow
rivulets barely deepen than its own body. It is strictly tropical species.
Reproduction: This species is a mouth brooder. During spawning,
the male wraps itself around the female near the surface, after which
the male broods the eggs in its oral cavity. Fry remain in the male
parent's mouth until able to survive on their own. Generally, both
parents provide parental care with female defending territory.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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Channa ornatipinnis

Common name : Ornate Snakehead

Species Authority : Britz, 2007

Identification: Body is pale with oblique bands with numerous

large black spots and golden orange lips. The dorsal and the anal fin
are blue; the dorsal fin also bears several large black spots. The
pectoral fins bear light and dark concentric bands. Dorsal fin rays: 34-
37, anal soft rays: 23-24. A fairly small species with maximum size of
20.5 cm.
Distribution: It is endemic to Myanmar and is known from Waloun
Chaung in Rakhine State, Myanmar.
Habitat and ecology: Found in tropical freshwaters in a small
stream with shaded forested banks flowing down a steep hill and with
cool, clear, highly-oxygenated fast running water.
Reproduction: Detailed information not available.
Conservation status: Data deficient.

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Channa panaw

Common name : Panaw Snakehead

Species Authority : Musikasinthorn, 1998

Identification: Body elongated and fairly rounded in cross-section.

Gular part of head without patch of scales. One large scale on either
underside of lower jaw, rarely two on one side of jaw. Dorsal fin rays:
32-35; anal fin rays: 32-35; pectoral fin rays: 17-20. Lateral line scales:
39-41; predorsal scales: 14-17. Pelvic fin length always more than 50%
of pectoral fin length. Maximum length up to 17.1 cm. Most similar to
C. punctatus, but differs in having a narrow, pointed snout, pelvic fins
50 % or more longer than the pectoral fins.
Distribution: Native to Ayeyarwaddy and Sittang River basins,
Myanmar
Habitat and ecology: The fish inhabits rivers. Native range
indicates this species to be subtropical to tropical.
Reproduction: No specific information but probably a nest builder
like most snakeheads.
Conservation status: Least concern.

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 29

Channa pleurophthalma

Common name : Ocellated or Eyespot Snakehead

Species Authority : Bleeker, 1851

Identification: Adult has a metallic iridescent green base colour

pattern, with 3-4 lateral yellow to orange ocelli with black center on
the body and an additional ocellus on both the opercle and caudal fin
base and orange patches on the base of anal and caudal fins. Dorsal
fin rays: 40-43; anal fin rays: 28-31. Lateral line scales: 57-58. Gular
part of head with patch of scales. Maximum length up to 40 cm. The
young fish exhibits a reticulated pattern of 4-6 longitudinal
interrupted black stripes on body with faint black patches on lateral
which would eventually develop into ocelli.
Distribution: Sumatra in Indonesia and Borneo.
Habitat and ecology: No specific information is available, but
probably a riverine species.
Reproduction: No specific information but likely a nest builder
like most other snakeheads.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

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30

Channa pulchra

Common name : Orange-spotted Snakehead

Species Authority : Britz, 2007

Identification: Body elongated and fairly rounded in cross-

section with unique colour pattern consisting of a number of small
black spots on the cheeks, usually four white semicircular narrow
bands on pectoral fin, one anterior dorsal fin blotch, series of
reddish-orange blotches and numerous tiny black spots on the
body. Dorsal fin rays: 34-36; anal fin rays: 23-25; vertebrae: 44-45.
Maximum size up to 30 cm.
Distribution: Native to the Kyeintali Chaung basin in Rakhine
State, Myanmar.
Habitat and ecology: Freshwater fast flowing cool, clear, highly
oxygenated mountain streams.
Reproduction: No specific information available.
Conservation status: Data deficient.

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 31

Channa punctatus

Common name : Spotted Snakehead

Species Authority : Bloch, 1793

Identification: Body elongated and fairly rounded in cross section.

Colour varies from black to light green on dorsal side and flanks;
ventral side white to pale yellow. Several dark blotches on flanks.
Maximum length up to 31cm. Dorsal fin rays: 28-33; anal fin rays: 20-
23; pectoral fin rays: 15-18; ventral fin rays: 6.
Distribution: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh,
Myanmar, Japan and China.
Habitat and ecology: Generally restricted to humid rain forest
climate, stagnant waters and muddy streams on plains of India and
Pakistan, abundant in muddy waters up to an altitude of 600 m. This
species is reported to tolerate a wide range of pH levels with 100 %
survival over 72 hours from pH 4.25 to 9.4. This air-breather can live
indefinitely without rising to the surface if water is well oxygenated
(6.0 ml L-1and above), but dies within 2-3 hours at an O2 level of 2.79
ml L-1if access to the surface is prevented.
Reproduction: The fish matures in the first year and is a prolific
breeder. Breeding season varies in different places, mostly from April
to September. Mating takes place at a temperature ranged from 26-290
C with only a single pair. Fecundity is between 2300 to 29600 eggs,
with egg diameter peaking at slightly less than 0.5 mm. Eggs hatch in
54 hours at 16-26 0C and 30 hours at 28-33 0C. Protection of young
continues for 15-20 days until juveniles become demersal.
Conservation status: Least concern.

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32

Channa stewartii

Common name : Golden or Assamese Snakehead

Species Authority : Playfair, 1867

Identification: Relatively small but brightly coloured snakehead

with a greenish-gold sheen and darker green oblique markings on the
flanks. Body is eel-shaped but muscular. The throat, dorsal and anal
fins are turquoise blue, and there are orange spots along the cheeks
and flanks. An orange band may be present along the top of the dorsal
fin. Overall colour is very variable. Maximum length up to 25 cm. No
patch of scales on gular region of head. Dorsal fin rays: 39-40; anal fin
rays: 27. Pelvic fin about one-third as long as pectoral fin. Lateral line
scales: 47-50; rows scales between preopercular angle and posterior
border of orbit 4-5; predorsal scales 13. Dorsal fin originates above
base of pectoral fin. Black spots on body scales.
Distribution: Brahmaputra River system, India, Bangladesh and
Nepal
Habitat and ecology: Flowing and standing freshwater, marshes
and estuaries. It is also recorded in high altitude of Meghalaya, south
of the Brahmaputra River and a plateau north of Bangladesh. The
species has limited salinity tolerance capacity.
Reproduction: The male of this fish is a mouth brooder and
choose their own pair for mating. It builds a nest in which the eggs are
laid. The parents guard their offspring and fry should be left with
parents until up to 10 cm in length.
Conservation status: Least concern.

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 33

Channa striatus

Common name : Striped Snakehead

Species Authority : Bloch, 1793

Identification: Body elongated and compressed posteriorly, head

depressed, dorsal fin begins behind the pectoral and extend beyond
anal fin. Dorsal fin rays: 37-46; anal fin rays: 23-29; pectoral fin rays:
15-17; pelvic fin rays: 6 and caudal fin rounded. Nine scale rows
between preopercular angle and posterior border of orbit; pre-dorsal
scale 18-20, with grey-green to black-green colour on upper side; belly
usually pure white. Dark blotches on flanks which may form angular
bands. Dorsal and anal fins slightly darker than body, ventral and anal
greyish with white spots and line on the latter. Maximum length up to
100 cm.
Distribution: Widest distribution among all snakeheads occurs in
India, Indus river basin of Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh,
Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Southern China, Malaysia,
Sumatra, Borneo, Western Java, Vietnam, Laos.
Habitat and ecology: Rivers and streams, ponds, reservoirs,
lakes, swamps and paddy fields. Usually present in stagnant muddy
waters; capable of thriving well in weed infested, silt laden and oxygen
depleted waters.
Reproduction: The fish is heterosexual, attains maturity in 2 years
and breeds during April to August. Eggs are spherical, non-adhesive,
free floating and straw yellow in colour. Fertilized eggs are transparent
whereas unfertilized eggs are opaque/white. The size of the fertilized
eggs are 1.1-1.2 mm. The incubation time is 16-18 hours at 28 0C.
Parents guard eggs, fry and early fingerlings.
Conservation status: Least concern.

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34

Parachanna africana

Common name : African or Niger Snakehead

Species Authority : Steindachner, 1879

Identification: Head slightly depressed anteriorly with patch of

scales in gular region. Lower jaw slightly longer than upper jaw with 3
to 4 large canine teeth. No canines on prevomer or palatines. Dorsal
fin rays: 45-48; anal fin rays: 32-35. Transverse scales 19-24; lateral line
scales 73-83. Maximum size up to 32 cm. Distinct colouration of
African snakeheads is that it has a series of forward-pointing chevrons
on the side of the body posterior to the pectoral fins that extend
upward to the base of the dorsal fin.
Distribution: Native to Oueme river of Southern Benin and lower
cross river of Southern Nigeria. Also found in Cameroon.
Habitat and ecology: It is a benthopelagic species and limited to
coastal rivers.
Reproduction: No specific information found but likely a nest
builder that provides parental protection to young like other
snakehead fishes.
Conservation status: Least concern.

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 35

Parachanna insignis

Common name : Congo Snakehead

Species Authority : Sauvage, 1884

Identification: The body is black and white in varying shades; the

upper portion having 6-7 patches beneath the dorsal fin with further
7 larger patches centrally from the opercle to the caudal. Dorsal and
anal fins are clear with numerous spots and blotches which become
progressively larger nearer the body. The caudal is black, becoming
lighter when it joins the peduncle. A large, dark spot can be observed
in the mid fin. Ventral and pectoral fins are spotted. On the head, a
black wedge- shaped pattern begins at the snout and runs through the
eye to the opercle. Dorsal fin rays: 40-44; anal fin rays: 27-31; caudal
fin rounded; ventral fin present. Scales in a transverse line 25-33 with
7-10 above the lateral line and 16-22 below; lateral line scales 73-86.
Maximum length up to 45 cm.
Distribution: Native to Ogowe River basin and Zaire River basin.
Habitat and ecology: Freshwater and benthopelagic species
found in creeks, rivers, lakes lagoons and sometimes in deep waters in
calm areas. Equatorial and tropical species.
Reproduction: No specific information, probably parents guard
the juveniles.
Conservation status: Least concern.

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36

Parachanna obscura

Common name : African Snakehead

Species Authority : Günther, 1861

Identification: Body elongated, cylindrical and covered with

cycloid scales. Head depressed anteriorly, relatively long and covered
with large scales. Patch of scales present in the gular region of head.
Lower jaw slightly longer than upper jaw, with 4-6 well-developed
canines. Two small nasal tentacles are present on its round snout; the
teeth are pointed and cardiform on the plate and both jaws. The
caudal and pectoral fins are rounded and the dorsal and anal fins are
soft-rayed. Dorsal fin rays: 39-45; anal fin rays: 26-32. Transverse
scales: 19-24; lateral line scales: 65-78. Maximum length up to 50 cm.
Colouration distinct among African snakeheads in having a series of
dark blotches, some of which may coalesce, and no chevron-shaped
bars across the middle of the back.
Distribution: Africa: Nile, Senegal to the Chad River system up to
the Congo River system.
Habitat and ecology: It is a strictly tropical species, tends to be
associated with dense marginal vegetation and swampy low land and
floodplains. Also found in rivers, lakes, lagoons and marshes.
Reproduction: Little is known of the reproductive behavior.
Probably a nest builder like other snakehead fishes and young ones
are guarded by parents.
Conservation status: Not evaluated.

Fact Sheets
 37

Bibliography
Chondar, S. L. (1999). Biology of Finfish and Shellfish. SCSC
Ü
Publishers, Howrah, India, pp. 441-444.
Courtenay,
Ü W. R. Jr. and J. D. Williams (2004). SNAKEHEADS
(Pisces, Channidae)-A Biological Synopsis and Risk Assessment.U.S.
Geological Survey, Circular 1251, pp. 143.
Kumar, K.,
Ü A. E. Eknath, A. K. Sahu, U. L. Mohanty, R. Kumar, M.
Sahoo and Noor J. (2011). Snakeheads: Challenging fish for
diversification of fish farming. Fishing Chimes 31 (1):110-113.
Kumar,
Ü K., A. K. Sahu, R. Kumar, U. L. Mohanty, M. Sahoo and
Noor J. (2011): Murrel Culture in Odisha: A Humble Beginning;
Aquaculture Innovators. Central Institute of Freshwater
Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, pp. 106-113.
Kumar, K., R. Kumar, A. K. Sahu and U. L Mohanty (2010). Annual
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Report. Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar,
India, pp. 21-22.
Kumar,
Ü K., R. Kumar, U. L. Mohanty, M. Sahoo and A. K Sahu
(2011). Murrel Farming-A manual for farmers. pp. 1-13. Workshop
Manual, Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Assam, 11 September
2011.
Kumar, R., K. Kumar, A. K. Sahu and U. L. Mohanty (2012). Annual
Ü
Report. Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar,
India.
Mat Jais A. M. (2007). Pharmacognosy and pharmacology of Haruan
Ü
(Channa striatus), a medicinal fish with wound healing properties.
Boletin Latinomericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromaticas,
mayo, ano/, vol.6, numero 003, Sociedad Latinoamericana de
Fitoquimica, Santiago, Chile, pp. 52-60.
Parameswaran, S. and M.Y. Kamal (1988). Synopsis of biological data
Ü
on the giant murrel, Channa marulius (Hamilton, 1822), the striped
murrel, Channa striatus (Bloch, 1793) and the Spotted murrel, Channa
punctatus (Bloch, 1793). Central Inland Capture Fisheries Institute,
Barrakpore, West Bengal, Bulletin No. 53, pp. 77-94.

Fact Sheets
38

Sahu, B.
Ü B., K. Kumar, A. K. Sahoo, R. Kumar, U. L. Mohanty, N.
Jahan, M. Sahoo and A. E. Eknath (2012). Carcass characteristics of
marketable size striped murrel Channa striatus (Bloch, 1793). Journal of
Applied Ichthyology DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0426.2011.01917.x.
Sahu, B.
Ü B., K. Kumar, A. K. Sahu, U.L. Mohanty, R. Kumar, M.
Sahoo and N. Jahan and A. E. Eknath (2011). Processing and value
addition to murrel in value chain. Fishing Chimes 31 (1): 106-108.
Talwar,
Ü P. K. and A. G. Jhingran (1991). Inland Fishes of India and
Adjacent Countries. Vol 2, Oxford & IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd.,
New Delhi, pp. 1013-1023.
www.fishbase.org
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www.google.com
Ü

Fact Sheets