Ornate snakehead
📖 Overview
Obligate air-breathing ; Found in a small stream with shaded forested banks flowing down a steep hill and with clear, fast running water .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 34 - 37; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 23 - 24; Vertebrae: 44 - 45. Diagnosed from all congeners by its unique color pattern consisting of numerous (10-20) large black spots on the cheeks (roughly pupil size), golden-orange lips, a red posterior rim of the opercular flap, 5-7 narrow alternating white and dark brown to black semicircular bands on the pectoral fin, three blotches on anterior of dorsal fin, and ref and bluish-grey scales with numerous black spots on body .: elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ornate snakehead is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.1 - ?. Tropical; 23°C - ?
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Channa Ornatipinnis 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 Ornate snakehead is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Ornate snakehead has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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