Lohit snakehead
📖 Overview
Lohit snakehead (Channa melanostigma) is a ray-finned fish of the family Channidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 14.3 cm. With a trophic level of 3.6, it is a mid-level predator. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 50 - 51. Distinguished from all other species of the genus Channa by the combination of the following characters: caudal fin when stretched with 14-15 black zig-zag transverse bars at irregular intervals, the interspaces being 2/3rd of the bars; dorsal fin inserted after 3-4 scales vertically above the pectoral fin origin; ½7-½8 scales below the lateral line, 5 cheek scales, 27-28 scales around the caudal peduncle; 50-51 vertebrae; 7 branchial tooth plates; 36-37 branched dorsal fin rays and last dorsal fin inserted in between 41 and 43 vertebrae .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Lohit snakehead is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Lohit snakehead is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Lohit snakehead is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Channa Melanostigma 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 Lohit snakehead is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Lohit 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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