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Species Guide

Snakehead

Cabeza Serpiente Channa Spp
  • Spanish Name: Cabeza de Serpiente
  • English Name: Snakehead
  • Scientific Name: Channa spp.
  • Type of specie: Fish
  • Order: Anabantiformes
  • Family: Channidae

Habitat

  • Natural: Rivers, lakes, and swamps with calm, vegetated waters.
  • Farming: Freshwater ponds with minimal oxygenation and basic feeding management.

General Description

  • Body shape: Elongated and cylindrical, resembling a snake, hence the name.
  • Distinctive features:

    Brown or dark green body with lighter patches, and a flattened head with a broad snout that resembles a snake. It has sharp teeth and a prominent jaw.

Size and Weight

  • Average length: Typically between 30 and 60 cm, although some species can reach up to 1.5 meters in their natural habitat.
  • Average weight: Typically between 1 and 6 kg; some exceptional specimens can exceed 20 kg, depending on the species.

Life Cycle

Rapid growth; some species reach market size in less than a year.

Adaptations

Capable of breathing atmospheric air and surviving in very low-oxygen waters, making it easy to farm under adverse conditions

Juveniles farming systems

Raised in ponds or recirculation systems (RAS).

Grow-out farming systems

Mainly in freshwater ponds, lagoons, and extensive aquaculture systems.

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  • Geographical distribution
Native to Southeast Asia, southern China, and India, but introduced in other regions. Inhabits freshwater systems.
  • Main producing countries
Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, China.
  • Commercial value

Highly valued in local cuisine and aquaculture for its rapid growth and resilience.

  • Additional uses

By-products: Some species are used in traditional Asian medicine.

  • Common preparation methods
Ideal for frying, steaming, grilling, or preparing in curries and soups.