Poma snakehead
📖 Overview
Obligate air-breathing ; Occurs in moderate to swift , transparent to turbid and cool running water with low to moderate depth and various substrates as gravel pebbles, cobbles and medium to large boulders. River banks consist of a mixture of sand, soil, and stones that lead to frequent soil erosion. The following associated fishes were observed: Garra birostris, G. annandalei, Crossocheilus latius, Chagunius chagunio, Neolissochilus hexagonolepis, Tor putitora, Bangana dero, Labeo pangusia, Puntius ticto, Barilius bendelisis, B. barna, Devario aequipinnatus, Danio dangila, D. rerio, Badis sp., Psilorhynchus balitora, and Botia rostrata .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 36 - 38; Anal soft rays: 25 - 26; Vertebrae: 42 - 45. Channa pomanensis can be distinguished from all othe channid species occurring in Brahmaputra River basin in India and small hillstream in northern and southern Rakhine State, Myanmar by having the following ocmbination of characters: body with 7 oblique bands, extending to lateral line; a thin preorbital streak; black to brown and broad to thin postorbital streak that confluence with brown to duky cross band across occipital region; light brown somewhat elongate spots on body mostly below lateral line; 2 cycloid sclaes on either underside of lower jaw; 47-51 lateral line scales; dorsal fin with 36-38 rays; anal fin with 25-26 rays; 42-45 total vertebrae; 7-8 predorsal scales; absence of numerous large black spots on postorbital region of head and opercles; transverse scale rows above lateral line 4 1/2 -5 1/2; transverse scale rows between lateral line and anal-fin origin 7 1/2- 8 1/2; presence of pelvic fins .1: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Poma snakehead is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Channa Pomanensis 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 Poma snakehead is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Poma 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)
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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