Channa argus (Cantor, 1842)
Snakehead
Channa argus
photo by Naseka, A. / Anokhin, B.

 Family:  Channidae (Snakeheads)
 Max. size:  100 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 8,000.0 g
 Environment:  benthopelagic
 Distribution:  Asia: Amur southward to Xi Jiang and Hainan Island, China (Ref. 82587). Introduced elsewhere. Japan (Ref. 6094) and the USA (Ref. 51238) report adverse ecological impact after introduction.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 49-54; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 32-38
 Biology:  Can stay out of the water for 3 to 4 days at temperatures ranging from 10 to 15°C (Ref. 37350). Is a typical ambush predator that lies in wait for its prey on the bottom. Hunts mainly in the morning and in the evening, feeding primarily on fish (Ref. 12569). Matures at the age of 2 years and length of 30 cm. Spawns in June and July (Ref. 56557). Eggs are pelagic. Utilized for human consumption.
 IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated  (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  potential pest
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Luna, Susan M. - 09.12.91
 Modified by: Torres, Armi G. - 05.08.14
 Checked by: Casal, Christine Marie V. - 09.01.03

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