Description

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.

Common Names

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Anabantiformes

Family: Channidae

Genus: Channa

Species: Channa melasoma (Bleeker, 1851)

Climate Zone

Location

• Asia: Mekong in Thailand to Indonesia and the Philippines.

Biology

Obligate air-breathing (Ref. 126274); Inhabits medium to large rivers (Ref. 12975). Occurs in shaded forest streams with sluggish, acidic water and submerged roots/leaf litter substrates. Appears to be mainly nocturnal and feeds on small animals (Ref. 85309). Preys on fish (Ref. 12693).

Habitat

benthopelagic

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Threat to Humans

Harmless