Largespotted snakehead
📖 Overview
Largespotted snakehead (Parachanna insignis), first described by Sauvage, 1884 is a large fish in the family Channidae (order Anabantiformes). Adults typically reach 53.20 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. Diet is predominantly piscivorous, targeting other fish and larger prey. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Channidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 40 - 44; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 27 - 31. Diagnosis: 25-33 scales in transverse series, 73-86 scales in lateral line; 40-44 dorsal rays; 27-31 anal rays . : elongated; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Largespotted snakehead is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical; 22°C - 28°C Central African Republic, Republic of Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Largespotted 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 Largespotted snakehead is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Largespotted 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Brown Snakehead · Congo snakehead |
| 🇩🇪German | Gezeichneter Schlangenkopf |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 48 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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