Goldspotted snakehead
📖 Overview
Goldspotted snakehead (Channa aurantimaculata) is a ray-finned fish of the family Channidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 36.2 cm. With a trophic level of 3.9, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 45 - 47; Anal soft rays: 28 - 30; Vertebrae: 50 - 52. combination of characters: 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 lower jaw undersurface, pelvic fin length less than 50% of pectoral fin length, upper half of body dark brown to black with 7 or 8 large irregular orange blotches, pectoral fins with a black blotch at base and 5 vertical broad vivid black bands.: elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Goldspotted snakehead is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Goldspotted snakehead is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Goldspotted snakehead is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Channa Aurantimaculata is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Goldspotted snakehead is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Goldspotted snakehead has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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