2011/02/08
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Hong Kong Biodiversity Database
Hong Kong Biodiversity Database
General
Conservation
Distribution
Photo Gallery
References
General Information
Channa striata
Snakehead murrel
Animal Group:
Freshwater Fish
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Actinopterygii
Order:
Perciformes
Family:
Channidae
Description:
A huge snakehead with a sub-cylindrical and greyish body and whitish abdomen. Its caudal fin rounded and scales are relatively large. The fish can be distinguished from other Channa species by the possession of a blotch on posterior end of the dorsal fin and mottled pale saddles on dorsal side of the body.
Conservation Status
AFCD Assessment
Uncommon
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Status
Least Concern
Distribution
Distribution in Hong Kong
Uncommon in the wild and is an introduced species. Records from a few streams in North District and on Lantau Island.
Global Distribution
China, Thailand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The fish is an important food fish in Asian countries.
Photo Gallery
References
More on Freshwater Fish in HK
Lee, V. L. F., Lam, S. K. S., Ng, F. K. Y., Chan, T. K. T. and Young, M. L. C. (2004).
Field Guide to the Freshwater Fish of Hong Kong.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Friends of the Country Parks and Cosmos Books Ltd., Hong Kong
