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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Chevron snakehead

Synonyms and Other Names: Synonyms and Other Names: Ophicephalus striatus (Bloch, 1793), striped snakehead, snakehead murrel 

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Channa striata has an elongated cylindrical body, flattened head with a rosette of enlarged scales in the top of its head, eyes located on the anterior (front) part of the head, tubular nostrils, and a terminal mouth with a large, toothed, protruding lower jaw (Courtenay and Williams 2004). The dorsum (back) is dark brown to black with chevron-like markings extending the length of the body with a distinguishing dark stripe extending from the maxillary posteroventrally towards the opercular curvature (Courtenay and Williams 2004). 

Channa striata has an elongated dorsal fin with 37-46 rays, pectoral fin has 15-17 rays and measures half the length of the head, anal fin with 23-29 rays, and the caudal fin is rounded (Courtenay and Williams 2004). Juvenile C. striata are identified by their bright orange coloration (Li et al. 2016).

It has been noted that certain species of snakehead superficially resemble the North American native bowfin (Amia calva) due to their elongated bodies, tubular nostrils, and long dorsal (back) fins (Courtenay and Williams 2004). However, C. striata is distinguishable by the distinct rosette of flat scales on the top of its head, elongated anal fin, and thoracic pelvic fins (bowfin have pelvic fins that are located further back on the abdomen) (Courtenay and Williams 2004).

Channa striata has been misidentified as blotched snakehead (Channa maculate), but C. striata is distinguishable from other snakehead species by the dark stripe extending from the maxillary posteroventrally to the edge of the operculum (Courtenay and Williams 2004).

Size: Up to 90 cm (Courtenay and Williams 2004)

Native Range: Pakistan in the Indus River basin, most drainages in India, Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali River basins in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, southern China, Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, western Java, Vietnam, and Laos (Courtenay and Williams 2004).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Channa striata is a predatory fish that inhabits stagnant freshwater lakes, streams, swamps, rice paddies, canals, and ditches (Courtenay and Williams 2004). They are an ambush feeder and eat a wide range of prey including small fish, snakes, crustaceans, frogs, snails, and insects (Li et al. 2016, Courtenay and Williams 2004). This species is an obligate air breather and can tolerate poor water quality and is able to move across land in wet conditions (Li et al. 2016, Courtenay and Williams 2004). They are solitary unless spawning and breeding pairs can be found throughout the year in its native range (Lee and Ng 1991). Females can lay over 1,000 eggs which float to the surface after fertilization and are guarded by both parents (Lowe-McConnell 1987). It has been noted that C. striata may spawn in the absence of vegetation (Alikunhi 1953).

Means of Introduction: Channa striata has been widely cultured as a food source (Courtenay and Williams 2004, Li et al. 2016).  Juvenile C. striata exist in the aquarium trade due to their bright orange coloration (Li et al. 2016).     

Status: Status unknown

Impact of Introduction: Impacts are not adequately known. However, C. striata has a highly adaptable diet and its voracious feeding habits could have severe adverse impacts on native species at the population, community, and biodiversity level (Li et al. 2016). More research is needed to determine the full range of impacts. 

Remarks: Channa striata is thought to be the mostly widely introduced species of snakehead due to its cultural and economic importance as a food and medicinal source (Courtenay and Williams 2004).

References: (click for full references)

Alikunhi, K.H. 1953. Notes on the bionomics, breedings and growth of the murrel, Ophicephalus striatus (Bloch): Proceedings of the Indian Academy of Sciences, 38(1): 41-59.

Courtenay, W.R., Jr., and J.D. Williams. 2004. Snakeheads (Pisces: Channidae): A biological synopsis and risk assessment. Circular 1251, US Geological Survey, Gainesville, FL.

Lee, P.G., and P.K.L. Ng. 1991. The snakehead fishes of the Indo-Malayan Region. Nature Malaysiana, 16(4): 113-129.

Li, K.C., B.S. Shieh, Y.W. Chiu, D.J. Huang, and S.H. Liang. 2016. Growth, Diet Composition and Reproductive Biology of the Invasive Freshwater Fish Chevron snakehead Channa striata on a Subtropical Island. Zoological Studies, 55-53. doi: 10.6620/ZS.2016.55-53

Lowe-McConnell, R.H. 1987. Ecological studies in tropical fish communities: England, Cambridge University Press, 382 p.

Nico, L.G., and S.J. Walsh. 2011. Non-indigenous freshwater fishes on tropical Pacific islands: a review of eradication efforts. Pages 97-107 in Veitch, C.R., M.N. Clout, and D.R. Towns, eds. Island invasives: eradication and management. IUCN. Gland, Switzerland.

Other Resources:

Author: Reaver, K.M.

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.