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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless otherwise stated

 EcologyAsia 2008
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Forest Snakehead
   

A handsome Forest Snakehead in a slow-flowing forest stream, Singapore.

Family : CHANNIDAE
Species : Channa lucius
Maximum Length : 40 cm

References : F1

An attractive species, the Forest Snakehead is easily identified by the row of dark patches along the flanks. The dorsal surface of adults also has numerous small, dark spots. Juveniles are striped.

As with other Channa species, the body shape is streamlined and the dorsal fin extends along the entire length of the posterior half of the body. The species occurs in slow-flowing forest streams and swamps where it feeds on smaller fish, frogs and freshwater shrimps.

 
   

The Forest Snakehead is widely distributed in Southeast Asia and beyond.