How to Identify Snakehead Murrel

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

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsal surface is typically dark brown to grey, fading to a lighter, often whitish or yellowish, ventral surface. The flanks are marked with irregular, dark, chevron-like bands or blotches that extend from the head to the caudal fin base. Fins are generally dusky, sometimes with faint banding. Juveniles often exhibit a prominent orange or reddish lateral stripe.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Elongated, cylindrical body, Large, protractile mouth with numerous sharp teeth, Long dorsal and anal fins without spines, Flattened head resembling a snake's head, Presence of a suprabranchial organ for air breathing, Dark, irregular, chevron-like lateral markings

Dorsal fin

Long, continuous dorsal fin with 37-46 soft rays, extending almost the entire length of the back. No spines.

Tail fin

Rounded caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Rounded pectoral fins, typically with 15-18 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is also long and continuous, with 23-29 soft rays, similar in appearance to the dorsal fin but shorter. Pelvic fins are present and relatively small.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for a distinctly elongated, snake-like, cylindrical body.

2. 2

   Head Shape

   Observe the flattened head with large scales on top, reminiscent of a snake's head.

3. 3

   Mouth

   Note the large, superior mouth armed with sharp, conical teeth.

4. 4

   Fins

   Identify the very long dorsal and anal fins that lack spines. The caudal fin is rounded.

5. 5

   Coloration and Pattern

   Look for the characteristic dark, irregular, chevron-like bands or blotches along the flanks against a brownish-grey background.

6. 6

   Air Breathing

   If observed in the wild, note its habit of rising to the surface to gulp air, especially in oxygen-depleted waters.

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