Giant snakehead-Malaysia Monster Fish

The young of the giant snakehead are red in color, with orange and black lateral stripes appearing after about two months. As the giant snakehead matures, they lose their stripes and instead develop a bluish black and white pattern on their upper body. Juveniles sold in the aquarium fish trade are commonly called red or redline snakeheads.
2cm long fry. Its color when young explains another of its names, the red snakehead.
After Bleeker, 1878; juvenile. USGS 2004[2]
near-adult juveniles

Being a high level predator means that the giant snakehead eats many other fish, amphibians and even small birds, but is not preyed upon by many other species. The giant snakehead is considered gregarious, with the young often following their mother closely. There have been reports of protective mother giant snakehead attacking men who have disturbed the snakehead's school of juveniles.

The species has the ability to crawl onto land. However, contrary to popular belief, it is highly unlikely that it can survive for up up to four days, as has been reported. While a C. micropletes might be able to wriggle short distances, the body shape is not well suited for it.
[edit] Use as Food

In Malaysia and Singapore, known locally as the toman, The Philippines they are called dalag, are cultured in fish ponds and reservoirs as game fish because they put up a strong fight when hooked. The giant snakehead is also a good food fish, and is often served in Chinese restaurants. Some people, however, dislike the muddy taste associated with freshwater fish.

In Thailand this fish is prepared in a variety of ways, especially barbecued, being a common food item offered by street vendors.
[edit] Distribution
Distribution of Channa striata. Source: USGS 2004[2]

The giant snakehead is found in Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, India, and possibly Myanmar. It has an oddly disjunctive distribution, inhabiting both southeast Asia and southwest India, about 2500 km apart. It is theorized that the Indian population may be from an early human introduction, prior to the 19th century. In India it is found in southern Tamilnadu and Kerala especially in Pechipparai, Chittar I & II, Neyyar and Temnalai Reservoirs. Ebanasar (1995) reported its distribution and Biology from these reservoirs.[3][4]

Ebanasar (1995) has also conducted series of experiments on the biology, physiology and culture of this fish. It is reported that this fish is highly suitable for cage cultute and culture in ponds in combination with tilapia. It is found to be an effective tool in controlling the overpopulation of tilapia and thus checks stunted growth of tilapia.

There have been reports of the giant snakehead in parts of the US including Wisconsin, Maryland, and parts of Virginia.