Attribute

Details

Scientific Name

Channa nachi

Common Name

Farham’s Snakehead and is proposed in honor of Farham Sangma

Discovered By

Farham Sangma a fish hobbyist from Meghalaya

Habitat

Shallow, slow-flowing stream near Chokpot village 

Part of the Simsang River system 

Substrate: Sand, leaf litter and pebbles

Other Fish in Habitat

Schistura reticulofasciata

Dario kajal

Pseudolaguvia sp. 

Barilius bendelisis

Physical Characteristics

Medium-sized snakehead 

Elongated, slender body 

Bicolor body: Anterior (creamish-yellow to pale-brown), Posterior (rich blue)

Pale-blue marbling on the ventral area 

10–12 pale brown saddles on the dorsal half 

No spots or blotches 

No transverse markings on the caudal fin

Cultural Significance

Named nachi after the vernacular Garo term for the fish 

Reflects the connection between the Garo people and their aquatic biodiversity

Potential in Ornamental Trade

Vibrant coloration makes it attractive for the international aquarium trade 

Joins other sought after species like Channa andrao, Channa bipuli and Channa aristoneifrom Northeast India

Attribute

Details

Scientific Family

Channidae

Genera

Channa (Asia)

Parachanna (Africa) 

Number of Species

Over 50 species 

Native Range

Countries including China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia 

Tropical regions in Africa

Physical Characteristics

Ranges from 17 cm in smaller species to over 1 meter in larger ones 

Elongated with long dorsal fins 

Large mouth with sharp, canine-like teeth 

Unique Abilities

Possess a suprabranchial organ allowing them to breathe air enabling survival in low-oxygen environments and facilitating movement across land for short distances 

Capable of walking short distances on land by wriggling their bodies 

Diet

Juveniles feed on zooplankton, small insects and crustaceans 

Adults are predominantly piscivorous (fish-eating); also consume amphibians, crustaceans and occasionally small mammals 

Reproduction

Many species exhibit nest-building behaviors and guard their offspring 

Habitat Preferences

Prefer stagnant or slow-moving freshwater bodies like ponds, swamps and rivers with abundant vegetation; can tolerate a range of environmental conditions 

Invasive Concerns

Some species, such as the Northern Snakehead (Channa argus) have been introduced to non-native regions leading to ecological concerns due to their predatory nature and competition with native species 

Economic and Cultural Significance

Valued as a food source in many Asian countries; farmed extensively 

Believed to aid in wound healing and reduce postoperative pain in certain cultures 

Some species are popular in the aquarium trade due to their unique appearance and behaviors 

Conservation Status

Varies among species; some are abundant while others like the recently rediscovered Chel snakehead (Channa amphibeus) are rare and were previously thought to be extinct 

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.  Which of the following recently discovered snakehead species are native to Northeast India?

1. Channa andrao
2. Channa bipuli
3. Channa aristonei
4. Channa striata

Select the correct answer using the code below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2, and 3 only
c) 1, 2, 3, and 4
d) 2, 3, and 4 only

Answer: b)

Explanation:

Channa striata is a widespread species found across South and Southeast Asia not a newly discovered species from Northeast India.