Scientific Name
Channa melasoma
Common Name
Black snakehead
Biology
Dorsal
spines
(total): 0;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 37-41;
Anal
spines: 0;
Anal
soft rays: 21 - 25. Preserved color dark greenish or bluish dorsally, yellowish or reddish brown ventrally; an inconspicuous spot behind corner of mouth; yellow spots on underside of depressed head occasionally. Pectorals about as long as head behind eyes. Large scales on top of head. Dorsal fin extends beyond tip of anal. Young specimens have a red lateral band from snout to caudal.