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💧 Freshwater Endangered 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Channa barb

Eechathalakenda ophicephalus Raj, 1941
Max Length
19.6 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
2.7
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
26.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Channa barb (Eechathalakenda ophicephalus), first described by Raj, 1941 is a medium-sized fish. Adults typically reach 19.60 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Endangered.The species is important as a food fish.

Scientific Name
Eechathalakenda ophicephalus
Authority
Raj, 1941
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
EN
Max Length
19.6 cm
Trophic Level
2.7
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
26.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Genus
Eechathalakenda
Eechathalakenda
Species
Channa barb
Eechathalakenda ophicephalus

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Channa barb is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Channa barb is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical endemic to India.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
2.7±0.3

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00912 × L3.08 (TL)
Max TL
19.6cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Endangered
Assessment Date
2010

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
26.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.7
Omnivore / Planktivore
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Raj, 1941

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Eechathalakenda Ophicephalus is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

⚡ Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Channa barb is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Channa barb has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

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