Snakehead, Striped. (Channa striata). Max weight 4 kg/ 8 lb+. Predatory.
The Striped / banded Snakehead is the most commonly distributed member of the Channidae (snakeheads) family of fish and is found throughout South East Asia in Vietnam, Malaysia, Southern China , Indonesia and various other Asiatic countries including Thailand. This ambush predator favours shallow ponds, swamps, canals and lakes and is tolerant of brackish water conditions. The Striped Snakehead is a highly adept predator striking at unsuspecting prey from the cover of submerged root systems and underwater vegetation. The Striped Snakehead is perfectly camouflaged with a green and brown colouration throughout its body. The body shape is further camouflaged by a series of brown vertical bands/stripes at various points along its flanks.
The Striped Snakehead feeds on small fish, frogs, prawns and worms and favours slow running lowland rivers. The Striped Snakehead is present in all of Thailand’s waterways and stillwaters and also in various commercial fisheries throughout the country.
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