Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822)
Red seam snakehead
Channa gachua
photo by Hadiaty, R.K.

Family:  Channidae (Snakeheads)
Max. size:  32.9 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 286.8 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 7; dH range: 15, potamodromous
Distribution:  Asia: Afghanistan in the west to Indonesia through South and Central Asia.
Diagnosis:  White dorsal, anal and caudal margins; 3-3+1/2 scales between the lateral line and the base of the anterior dorsal rays; relatively small size (Ref. 27732).
Biology:  Found in hill streams (Ref. 27732). Adults inhabit medium to large rivers, brooks, rapid-running mountain streams and stagnant water bodies including sluggish flowing canals (Ref. 12975). Feed at night on small fish, insects and crustaceans (Ref. 85309). Exhibit parental care, with the male brooding eggs and fry in his mouth (Ref. 85309).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 March 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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