Black snakehead (Channa melasoma) fish species and information / pictures of Black snakehead - Channa melasoma

Black snakehead (Channa melasoma) fish species information

Scientific Name
Channa melasoma

Common Name
Black snakehead

Biology
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 37-41; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 21 - 25. Preserved color dark greenish or bluish dorsally, yellowish or reddish brown ventrally; an inconspicuous spot behind corner of mouth; yellow spots on underside of depressed head occasionally. Pectorals about as long as head behind eyes. Large scales on top of head. Dorsal fin extends beyond tip of anal. Young specimens have a red lateral band from snout to caudal.

Classification

Classified By
Bleeker, 1851
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Perch-like fish (Perciformes)
Family
Snakeheads (Channidae)

Distribution

Region
Asia
Distribution
Asia: Mekong in Thailand to Indonesia and the Philippines.
Range
20°N - 15°S

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
Unknown m
Depth To - meters
Unknown m
Zone
benthopelagic
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic
Trophic Level
4.2 s.e. 0.73 Based on food items.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
False
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
True
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
30.0 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5000 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Fisheries: commercial
Vulnerability
Low to moderate vulnerability (29 of 100)
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Not Evaluated