Dark snakehead
📖 Overview
Obligate air-breathing ; Generally restricted to relatively narrow regions, characterized by humid rainforest climate .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 47 - 51; Anal soft rays: 31 - 33; Vertebrae: 53 - 55. Dorsal surface of the body dark; 8-11 irregular (often anteriorly pointed V-shaped) black blotches or bands on upper half of the body; a white-rimmed black ocellus on caudal peduncle; sparse white spots on body and dorsal and caudal fins. Hyomandibular process with the mid- to lower lateral edge mesially protruded. One to 2 small to medium-sized scales found on the undersurface of each side of the lower jaw. Pelvic fin absent. Cheek scales 9-13 .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Dark snakehead is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Dark snakehead is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Dark snakehead is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Subtropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Dark snakehead 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 Dark snakehead is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Dark snakehead has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Dark snakehead · night snakehead |
| 🇳🇱Dutch | Nacht Slangekopvis |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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