Ocellated snakehead
📖 Overview
Ocellated snakehead (Channa pleurophthalma) is a ray-finned fish of the family Channidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 40 cm. With a trophic level of 3.9, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Adult has a metallic iridescent green base color pattern, with 3-4 lateral yellow to orange ocelli with black center on the body and an additional ocellus on both the opercle and caudal fin base, and orange patches on the base of anal and caudal fins. The young fish exhibits a reticulated pattern of 4-6 longitudinal interrupted black stripes on body, with faint black patches on lateral which would eventually develop into ocelli .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ocellated snakehead is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Ocellated snakehead is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Ocellated snakehead is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Ocellated 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 Ocellated snakehead is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Ocellated snakehead has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ophicephalus pleurophthalmus | Bleeker | 1851 | Synonym |
| Ophicephalus spiritalis | Fowler | 1904 | Synonym |
| Ophicephalus urophthalmus | Bleeker | 1852 | Synonym |
| Ophiocephalus pleurophthalmus | Bleeker | 1851 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
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