A handsome Forest Snakehead in a slow-flowing forest stream, Singapore.
The barred markings of this large adult, measuring perhaps 40cm,
appeared slowly as the fish was being observed : this may a response to
a perceived threat to the young fry under its care (below).
The fry are boldly patterned with black stripes.
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An attractive species, the
Forest Snakehead is easily identified by the row of dark patches along the
flanks. The dorsal surface of adults also has numerous small, dark spots.
Juveniles are striped.
As with other Channa
species, the body shape is streamlined and the dorsal fin extends along the
entire length of the posterior half of the body. The species occurs in
slow-flowing forest streams and swamps where it feeds on smaller fish, frogs
and freshwater shrimps.
The Forest Snakehead is
widely distributed in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Family : CHANNIDAE
Species : Channa lucius
Maximum Length : 40 cm
References : F1 |
