Fin's Fish Guide
The African snakehead (Parachanna obscura) is a freshwater fish of the family Channidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving water of rivers, swamps and floodplains with abundant aquatic plants.
Description
The African snakehead is an elongate predator of the family Channidae (snakeheads) reaching about 50 cm. The cylindrical, brown-mottled body has a flattened, snake-like head with a large mouth full of sharp teeth, and a long dorsal and anal fin. Above the gills sits an air-breathing organ with which the fish can breathe air, allowing it to survive in warm, oxygen-poor swamp water. The species comes from West and Central Africa and lives in slow water of rivers, swamps and floodplains with abundant plants. As an ambush predator it strikes fiercely at fish, frogs, crustaceans and large insects. In the rainy season the parents build an open nest and fiercely guard the eggs and young. It is a valued food and sport fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African snakehead?
The African snakehead has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Elongate predator with a flattened, snake-like head, a long dorsal and anal fin and an air-breathing organ that makes survival in oxygen-poor water possible.
Where does the African snakehead live?
The African snakehead lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of West and Central Africa, in slow-moving water of rivers, swamps and floodplains with abundant aquatic plants.
How big does the African snakehead get?
The African snakehead grows to a maximum of about 50 cm.
Is the African snakehead dangerous to humans?
The African snakehead can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A predatory fish with sharp teeth that can bite fiercely when handled; keep fingers away from the mouth and unhook with tools.
Is the African snakehead edible?
Yes, the African snakehead is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Parachanna
More from the family Channidae
Want the complete picture on the African snakehead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African snakehead is one of 12,519 species in the app.