Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded snakehead (Channa striata) is a brackish-water fish of the family Channidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The striped snakehead (Channa striata) is a large, predatory freshwater fish of the family Channidae from South and Southeast Asia. The species has an elongate, nearly cylindrical body with a flattened, snake-like head, a large mouth with sharp teeth and usually chevron-shaped dark markings on the flank; it can reach about one metre. Thanks to an accessory breathing organ it can breathe air and survive oxygen-poor, muddy water and even drying pools; it can crawl over moist ground. It preys on fishes, frogs and invertebrates. The species is a very important food fish. It can bite when defending its nest.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded snakehead?
The Banded snakehead has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Air-breathing snakehead that can crawl over land; important food fish and popular sport fish.
Where does the Banded snakehead live?
The Banded snakehead lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Fresh and brackish water of South and Southeast Asia.
How big does the Banded snakehead get?
The Banded snakehead grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 61 cm.
Is the Banded snakehead dangerous to humans?
The Banded snakehead can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. When defending nest or young the species can bite with its toothy mouth. Keep hands out of the mouth when unhooking; clean and disinfect any bite wound and seek medical help for a deep wound.
Is the Banded snakehead edible?
Yes, the Banded snakehead is a highly prized food fish.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Channa
More from the family Channidae
Want the complete picture on the Banded snakehead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Banded snakehead is one of 12,519 species in the app.