Giant Snakehead – Channa micropeltes – Thai Fish Species
Species: Channa micropeltes.
Common names: Giant Snakehead, Ikan Toman (Where “ikan´´ means “fish´´ in both Indonesian and Malay). Redline Snakehead and Giant Mudfish. Thai Name: Pla Shado.
These names may vary further based on specific localities, and some might be more prevalent in certain regions than others. The Giant Snakehead is a popular game fish and has been introduced to various regions outside its native range for aquaculture and recreational fishing, which has led to different names being used in different places.
Distribution: Native to Southeast Asia and has a wide distribution in the freshwater ecosystems of this region. Including countries such as: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam.
Habitat: They are commonly found in slow-moving or moderately flowing rivers and streams. Lakes and reservoirs, especially those with extensive vegetative cover along the shorelines and in shallow bays. They are often found in areas with abundant submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and underwater structures where they can seek shelter and ambush their prey. These areas provide suitable breeding and feeding grounds for the fish. During the wet season, when water levels rise, they can move into these flooded areas to take advantage of new hunting opportunities.
They can adapt to artificial environments, like ponds and oxbow lakes if the conditions are suitable. They may even be introduced into such environments for aquaculture purposes. The Giant Snakehead is an impressive and highly adapted predator and is well-known for its ability to survive and even thrive in waters with poor water quality. Like all snakehead, the species possesses a unique organ called the labyrinth organ. Which allows this fish species to extract oxygen from the air at the water’s surface. In many regions, they are considered invasive due to their ability to disrupt local ecosystems and negatively impact native fish species. So, it’s essential to recognize the potential ecological risks associated with introducing this species to non-native environments.
Giant Snakehead (Channa micropeltes)
Giant Snakehead (Channa micropeltes)Giant Snakehead fish or Giant mudfish, are one of the largest species in the family Channidae. Due to their aggressive and predatory nature and razor-sharp teeth. Giant Snakehead are considered top-level predators in their habitats. Like other Snakehead species, they have an elongated, cylindrical body with a snake-like appearance. The dorsal fin runs along the length of its back and an anal fin on its underside, both of which are long and continuous. These fins and their muscular streamlined body, along with their powerful tail, provide excellent stability and maneuverability in the water. This allows it to be a powerful swimmer and predator.
They have a large head in proportion to the body. It has a terminal mouth, meaning the mouth is positioned at the tip of the snout. Which allows it to engulf and consume relatively large prey. Giant snakehead have a formidable set of teeth. Their upper jaw is equipped with sharp teeth, and they also have a pair of large canine-like teeth in the lower jaw, which aid in capturing and holding onto their prey.
The coloration of Giant Snakehead can vary, but they typically have a dark, olive-green or black color on the back. Their side coloration is a combination of black-spotted and striped patterns and dull Silver Grey/purple with flashes of light. The belly is cream colored. During the breeding season, when they pair up, they will turn mostly black. Later, when they have made a nest, get fry (baby fish) they will turn to black and white colors.
Lifespan and Size
During their first year of life, Giant snakehead experience rapid growth. They can grow from being tiny larvae to around 1 kg by the end of their first year. In their second year, they continue to grow at a substantial rate. By the end of their second year, they can reach sizes of approximately 2 kg. After the third year, they reach a weight of around 5 kg or even larger. In the subsequent years, their growth rate tends to slow down compared to their early years. However, they can still experience steady growth.
Depending on the availability of food and environmental conditions. They can grow to over 1 m (3.3 ft) in length, with weights of over 20 kg (44 lb.). The present world record is 13,6 kilograms (30-pounds). Caught in the waters of Rawang, Malaysia, on August 12, 2022. The average lifespan of a Giant Snakehead is around 10 to 15 years in the wild. However, in captivity, with proper care and conditions, they might live slightly longer, potentially reaching up to 20 years or more.
Giant Snakehead Diet
They are skilled ambush hunters, lurking among submerged vegetation or underwater structures. Hiding and using their camouflage to blend in with the surroundings before striking. It is known to be an opportunistic predator and will feed on a variety of fish species, including smaller fish that are present in its habitat. Amphibians like frogs as well as smaller lizards and snakes, and crustaceans such as crabs and shrimps. They are also known to prey on small mammals, such as rats and mice that enter the water and even birds that come close to the water’s edge. When they eat it is a thrust predator. This means, it will eat its prey all at once, striking and ingesting it whole.
The diet of fry (young and recently hatched fish) is slightly different from that of adult Giant Snakehead. In the early stages of their life, they typically start by feeding on microscopic organisms like zooplankton, which are tiny aquatic animals such as tiny crustaceans, rotifers, and protozoa. As they grow larger, the fry (baby fish) will gradually shift to larger prey items. They will start eating small aquatic insects, insect larvae, and other invertebrates present in their environment. As the fry (baby fish) continues to grow, its ability to consume larger prey increases. They start to feed on small fish fry or very small fish species that are suitable for their size. Like adult Giant Snakehead, young fry might also consume small crustaceans such as tiny shrimp or juvenile crabs, if they are available in their habitat.
Giant Snakehead Breeding Timeline
Giant Snakehead reach sexual maturity around 2 years of age. Their breeding time is like other Snakehead species, typically during the warmer months when water temperatures are suitable for reproduction. Giant Snakehead are known to breed during the rainy season, which generally starts between May and June in Thailand. During this time, the water levels rise, and the temperature and environmental conditions become more conducive to spawning. The male Giant Snakehead takes the lead in nest building. They typically build nests, in shallow waters with submerged vegetation. By using their mouths to collect water plant materials and small pieces of dead branches / leaves floating on the water to create a nest.
The number of eggs can vary but can range from a few hundred to several thousand depending on the size and age of the female. After fertilization, both the male and female take turns guarding and protecting the nest and the eggs. They may also fan the eggs with their fins to provide oxygen and prevent fungal growth. The eggs typically hatch within a few days, and the newly hatched fry remain in the nest under the protection of their parents. The fry will continue to grow and develop under the care of the parents.
As they grow, the parents may lead the fry to different areas for safety and better feeding opportunities. At some point, the juveniles (baby fish) will become independent and venture out on their own. The parents may become less protective, and the juveniles will start exploring their environment. When the fry reaches about 1 cm, they have a red/orange color. With orange and black lateral stripes appearing after about two months. As it matures, they lose their stripes and instead develop adult colors.
Gender
Gender determination of Giant Snakehead fish can be challenging, especially when they are young and not sexually mature. However, as they reach maturity, some physical characteristics can help differentiate between males and females. In general, adult females tend to be slightly larger than males. Females may exhibit a more robust body shape and grow to a larger size compared to males of the same age. The most reliable way to differentiate Giant Snakehead is by examining the genital papilla. This is a small fleshy protrusion located just behind the anus. It is more pointed and elongated in males and rounder and less prominent in females. During the breeding season, males may exhibit more territorial and aggressive behaviors as they establish and defend their spawning sites.
Fishing method:
Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for Snakehead fishermen from around the world. Because Thailand is one of the locations, in the world. Where you will have the opportunity to catch, a variety of different Snakehead fish species. The most often caught Snakehead in Thailand are the Striped Snakehead, Great Snakehead and the Giant Snakehead. All three species are a natural part of the fish population of the Jungle waters in southern Thailand where we fish.
They take surface lures, diving lures, popper flies and large streamers. Giant Snakehead take the lure hard and will dive to the nearest snag or cover with constant head shaking. Snakehead fishing in water with weedy and growing vegetation, with top-water lures. Can produce some spectacular visual surface strikes and is adrenaline-fishing at its best! When fishing in deeper water, with diving lures, you spot the Snakehead, as it rises to the surface to breathe and then slowly dives down again. Cast the lure as soon as possible to the fish.
Giant Snakehead are very territorial when taking care of their fry in the first months. They will attack everything that comes to close. If you spot a school of small fry coming to the surface for air. Casting your lure close to the school of the fry is a good fishing technique. This can be very productive and give some of the biggest Snakehead. You can find much more info about Giant Snakehead fishing here.
Giant Snakehead fish in the United States
Giant Snakehead are not native to the United States. However, there have been instances where this and other snakehead species have been illegally introduced to certain water bodies in the U.S., mainly through the aquarium trade and release of unwanted pets. The first confirmed incident of a Giant snakehead fish being discovered in United States waters. Was in 1968 in Johnson’s Pond/Flat River Reservoir in the southern part of Rhode Island, near the town of Coventry. This discovery led to concerns about the potential ecological impact of invasive snakehead populations on native aquatic ecosystems. Since then, there have been several reports of snakehead sightings in different states, especially in the mid-Atlantic and southern regions.
State and federal authorities have taken measures to control the spread of snakehead and prevent further introductions. They often classify snakehead species as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. Which makes it illegal to import or transport them across state lines without proper permits. If you are in the United States and suspect you have encountered a Giant Snakehead, or any other snakehead species. It’s essential to report it to the state’s wildlife agency or relevant authorities immediately. They can take appropriate action to assess and manage potential risks to native ecosystems.