Channa pleurophthalma

(Bleeker, 1851)

Vernacular names
English : Ocellated snakehead
French : Tête-de-serpent ocellé

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Anabantiformes (sometimes still Perciformes)
Family : Channidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
One of the easiest snakehead species to recognize with its distinct orange-edged black round blotches on its flanks. Large orange eyes, slightly pointed snout. Coloration whitish on belly turning to electric blue on flanks and dark on back. Dark tail with conspicuous orange-edged blotch. The species grows to around 40 cm long, sometimes up to 60 cm.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to Indonesia, being found in most of western and central Borneo as well as in the southern half of Sumatra between Batang Hari and Musi river drainages. It is only found in blackwater habitats (rivers, streams) associated with peat swamp forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species still has a large range and is common where its habitat hasn’t been altered. However, blackwater peat swamp forests, its favored habitat, are under serious threat within the species’ range and this has already caused steep declines in many populations.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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