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Family
Channidae
Africa, Asia. The snakeheads
are characterised by their torpedo-shaped body, large, scale-plated head,
and long dorsal and anal fins. Their accessory breathing organ which enables
them to breathe atmospheric air, is situated in the upper part of the gill-chamber.
| Many
of the species do not hunt actively, but wait patiently for small
animals like fish, frogs or shrimps to come within close range, and
then literally suck these into the mouth. Their jaws and teeth are
formidable. Snakeheads usually lavish parental care on their brood,
daring to challenge large animals (even man) when their young are
threatened. There have been reports of humans being badly injured
by the larger species as a result of this. |
Formidable jaws of
the Toman or
Giant Snakehead
Photo: Francis Lim |
Genus Channa
Primarily freshwater
fish; oviparous; carnivorous; solitary or in pairs, highly gregarious when
young. Channa was previously known as Ophicephalus.
 Common
Snakehead
Channa striata
Ikan Aruan, Toman Paya, 
90 cm; pelagic. Indigenous,
common. Forested and rural streams, canals, drains, ponds and reservoirs.
| This
is a very widespread fish of considerable economic importance. It
is valued for its supposed medicinal value when eaten for it is reported
to be good for healing bodily wounds and thus recommended for post-operation
patients. In ponds where small fishes are being reared, it is a pest.
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School of young
Common Snakeheads |
During breeding time,
both male and female construct a nest of vegetation in a roundish area in
shallow water. The eggs are said to float at the surface, kept within the
circle and fiercely guarded by the male.
Photo:
George Liew |
Dwarf
Snakehead
Channa gachua
Ikan Bakak, 
20 cm; near-bottom
to bottom dweller. Indigenous, endangered. Small forest streams. |
One
of the smallest and prettiest of the snakeheads, it has characteristically
reddish dorsal and anal fins, and a distinctly marked pectoral fin.
When out of the water, it is said to jump like a frog.
It was reported to be extinct many years ago, but in the 1970s, there
was a report that it still exists in the Bukit Timah area. The authors
have since found a small but thriving population in the central catchment
area. |
Dwarf Snakehead showing
red-tinged fins
Photo: Francis Lim
Young of Dwarf Snakehead
Photo: Francis Lim |
Photo:
Francis Lim |
Giant
Snakehead
Channa micropeltes
Ikan Toman, 
100 cm; pelagic.
Feral, common. Disturbed forest streams, ponds and reservoirs. |
In Singapore, the toman,
largest of all the world's snakeheads, is cultured in fish ponds and reservoirs,
and is an esteemed game fish, for it is a strong fighter when hooked, as
well as being an excellent food fish. In some reservoirs and ponds, they
can become pests. This large snakehead is to some extent gregarious, sometimes
travelling in small packs.
| The
juveniles are highly prone to school and gather into a tight shoal
near their parents. The fish is coloured and patterned differently
in the various growth stages. Small examples are sometimes kept in
aquaria. |
Young of Giant Snakehead |
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Forest
Snakehead
Channa lucius
Ikan Bujok, 
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40 cm; pelagic. Indigenous,
endangered. Forest streams and peat swamps.
This
forest stream dwelling fish has a distinct series of "porthole" markings
on the side and has a more tapering head compared to the other species.
The juvenile fish appear very different from the adults in that they
are pale with three dark lateral stripes from head to tail. |
Young of Forest Snakehead
Photo: Francis Lim
Intermediate stage of Forest Snakehead
Photo: Tan Bee Hong |
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Introduction
Freshwater habitats
Fishes in Singapore
Conservation
Amazing Fishy Facts
About the guidebook |
