Humpbacked snakehead
📖 Overview
Humpbacked snakehead (Channa shingon), first described by Endruweit, 2017 is a small fish in the family Channidae (order Anabantiformes). Adults typically reach 9.90 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. The species is important as a food fish. As a member of the Channidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 35 - 37; Anal soft rays: 25 - 27; Vertebrae: 43 - 44. Channa shingon can be diagnosed from other species of the C. gachua-complex (Britz, 2008) by having the following characters: lateral head length 27-30 % SL; interorbital width 33-35 % HL; anal fin with 25-27 rays; 44-45 scales on lateral line; 4-5 transverse scales to dorsal- fin origin and 8-9 to anal-fin origin; 1 mandibular scale, 43-44 vertebrae; inferomesial process of parasphenoid very shallow and straight; dorsal profile conspicuously bulging in front of dorsal fin; presence of pelvic fin; juveniles lack ocellus-like mark on posterior part of dorsal fin; pectoral fin with 3-4 broad gray to black bands alternating with cream to white interspaces, width of bands increasing towards distal edge of the fin, interspaces equally wide as bands or narrower .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Humpbacked snakehead is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Channa Shingon 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 Humpbacked snakehead is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Humpbacked 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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