Order : Anabantiformes
Family : CHANNIDAE
Species : Channa micropeltes

Maximum Length : 100 cm

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Channa micropeltes (Giant Snakehead, Toman) is regarded in Southeast Asia as a sport fish, which also happens to be good eating. The huge powerful jaws are lined with sharp teeth.

This species easily adapts to any freshwater habitat, including ponds, lakes, reservoirs, swamps, streams and drains. Eggs are laid in a sunken nest of vegetation near the shore, and the young are fiercely guarded by the parents. Fully grown specimens can cause severe injury to those who might inadvertently step near the nest, or threaten their young. Juveniles are striped brown and black, and travel in large shoals.

This is the largest of all Channa species. It occurs throughout Southeast Asia and has been introduced to some areas, such as Singapore. Recently, introduced Giant Snakeheads have been disrupting the ecology of some U.S. lakes.

Fig 1 : Adult example, measuring an estimated 80 cm from tip to tail, at MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore.

Fig 2 : An adult pair keep a close eye on their brood of brightly coloured young, at MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore.

Fig 3 : Swampy embayment with abundant aquatic plant growth, in Singapore's MacRitchie Reservoir; such habitats provide a quiet haven for Channa micropeltes to raise their brood.

Fig 4 : This species often comes to surface for a breath of air.


References :

Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.