How to Identify Snakehead Murrel

To identify Snakehead Murrel (Channa marulius), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Adults typically exhibit a dark brown to grayish-green dorsal coloration, fading to a lighter belly. The flanks are often marked with irregular dark blotches or vertical bands. A prominent, often golden or orange, lateral stripe may be present, especially in younger individuals. Juveniles have a distinct black ocellus (eye-spot) ringed with orange or yellow at the base of the caudal fin, which can persist into adulthood or become less defined.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Elongated, cylindrical body, Large, snake-like head with large scales on top, Large mouth extending beyond the eye, Long dorsal and anal fins without spines, Accessory respiratory organ (suprabranchial organ) allowing air breathing, Distinctive ocellus (eye-spot) at the caudal fin base in juveniles and sub-adults

Dorsal fin

Long, extending from behind the head almost to the caudal fin, with 45-55 soft rays. No spines.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small and rounded.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are present and well-developed. Anal fin is also long, similar to the dorsal fin, with 28-36 soft rays and no spines.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Head

   Look for the elongated, snake-like body and a flattened, broad head with large scales, reminiscent of a snake's head. The mouth is large and extends well past the eye.

2. 2

   Coloration and Markings

   Observe the dark brown to grayish-green back and flanks with irregular dark blotches or vertical bands. Juveniles and sub-adults will have a prominent black ocellus (eye-spot) ringed with orange or yellow at the base of the caudal fin.

3. 3

   Fin Structure

   Note the very long dorsal and anal fins, both lacking spines. The caudal fin is rounded. Pectoral fins are relatively small.

4. 4

   Air Breathing

   If observed in the wild, its habit of surfacing to gulp air is a strong indicator of a snakehead species. This is due to its accessory respiratory organ.

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