Great Snakehead – Channa Marulius – Cobra Snakehead
Species: Channa marulius.
Common name: Cobra Snakehead, Great Snakehead, Bullseye Snakehead. Thai Name: Pla Tjon Gnoo How.
Distribution: They are native to most of Southeast Asia. But have been released in many other areas, where they have adapted with great success, including different states in US
Habitat: These fish species are highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including low oxygen levels. They can survive in both clear and turbid waters, primarily found in freshwater environments. They can inhabit a wide range of freshwater bodies, including rivers, streams, weedy channels as well reservoirs and lakes with densely growing vegetation. The species tend to prefer waters with slow or stagnant flow, such as backwaters, swamps, and marshes. They are often found in areas with dense aquatic vegetation.
Great Snakehead (Channa marulius)
Great Snakehead (Channa marulius)Are one of the largest members of the Channidae Snakehead family of fish. The Great Snakehead are distinctive fish with several identifying features. They have a long, cylindrical body with a relatively large broad head, and it features a wide, upward-facing large mouth, equipped with sharp teeth. Their eyes are located towards the top of the head, which allows them to hunt from below the water’s surface. The body is covered in cycloid scales, which are relatively smooth compared to some other snakehead species. The coloration can vary depending on their age and habitat, but they typically have a brown to olive-greenish back with a lighter underside. It has a distinctive marking which is the black spot, rimmed with orange near the base of the tail fin.
Like many fish species, Great Snakehead have a lateral line running along their sides. This sensory organ helps them detect vibrations and movements in the water, aiding their hunting abilities. This species has become one of the most studied of the snakehead family, mainly because it has been found inhabiting canals in Florida. Where it is considered vermin because it is not a native fish species; there has been done extensive research on this species, mating habits unlike the Giant snakehead and others species of this family, where their activity in natural habitat has been rarely studied with much accuracy.
Lifespan and Size
The lifespan of the Great Snakehead can vary depending on various factors, including environmental conditions, predation, and fishing pressure. In their native habitats, these fish typically have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years. However, in some cases, they can live even longer if conditions are favorable and they are not subjected to heavy fishing pressure. In captivity, Great Snakeheads can sometimes have shorter lifespans due to potential stressors, inadequate care, and less ideal living conditions compared to their natural habitats.
They can grow to impressive sizes, but their size can vary depending on factors like their age, diet, and environmental conditions. During their early stages they are relatively small, typically measuring a few inches in length. As they mature, they can reach significant sizes. Adult individuals commonly grow between 60 to 100 centimeters (approximately 2 to 3.3 feet) in length. However, some exceptionally large specimens can exceed 150 centimeters (almost 5 feet) in length.
The weight of an adult can vary widely, but individuals can weigh anywhere from a few kilograms (a few pounds) to well over 10 kilograms (over 20 pounds) or more in ideal conditions. The present world record is 7.03 kg (15 lb. 8 oz). Caught in the waters of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, on August 1st, 2021. Their size can be influenced by factors such as available food resources, habitat quality, and genetic predisposition. Great Snakehead are known for their rapid growth rate when they have access to an abundant food supply.
Diet
The Great Snakehead is a carnivorous fish species with a voracious appetite. Its diet primarily consists of other aquatic organisms, and it is an opportunistic predator. They are known to prey on a variety of fish species, including smaller fish that are within their size range. Crustaceans such as crabs and crayfish are often on the menu. They are skilled at ambushing these creatures in aquatic vegetation or along the water’s edge. Amphibians like frogs and tadpoles are also part of their diet. They are capable of lunging out of the water to catch prey near the surface. Aquatic insects and their larvae are commonly consumed, they feed on insects that fall into the water or actively hunt for them.
On occasion, particularly in larger individuals, small mammals like mice that venture near the water’s edge may become prey. Depending on their habitat, Great Snakehead may also feed on other aquatic organisms, such as small crustaceans, aquatic insects, and aquatic worms. Their diet is opportunistic, meaning they will consume whatever prey is readily available in their environment. The species are known for their ability to adapt to different food sources depending on what is locally abundant.
Great Snakehead Breeding Timeline
Great Snakehead are known for their interesting breeding behavior. They are very prolific and produce a lot of young which have a good survival rate, so in a body of water they can become very common very quickly. Females may produce 100 to 1000 young each time they spawn and sometimes they spawn more than once a year.
Spawning usually occurs during the monsoon season or when water levels rise in their native habitats. The male fish are responsible for building nests, often near dense surface vegetation or reeds, where they will guard and protect the eggs and later the fry (juveniles). The nest is made of aquatic plant materials and small pieces of dead branches/leaves. Once a male has established a nest, he begins courting a female. Courtship behavior may involve the male displaying more colorful colors and engaging in various rituals to attract the female. When a receptive female approaches the nest, the male swims alongside her and leads her to the nest. Spawning occurs when the female deposits the eggs in the nest and the male subsequently fertilizes them
When The Eggs Are Laid
Both the female and the male will guard and care for the eggs. they fan the eggs with the pectoral fins to provide oxygen and protect them from potential threats, such as predators or parasites. The eggs typically hatch in about 24 to 48 hours, depending on water temperature. Once hatched, both parents continue to guard the fry, and they remain in the nest for a few more days until they are large enough to swim freely. During this time, the parents continue to protect them from predators. After the fry leave the nest, they are initially quite small and vulnerable. They feed on tiny aquatic organisms, such as zooplankton and small aquatic insects. As they grow, their diet expands to include larger prey items.
Great Snakehead grow rapidly, and as they mature, they transition from the juvenile stage to adulthood. They continue to exhibit predatory behavior, feeding on a variety of aquatic organisms. It’s important to note that the parents are very protective during the breeding season, and they can be aggressive in defending their nests and fry from potential threats. This breeding behavior helps ensure the survival of their offspring, contributing to the perpetuation of the species in their native habitats.
Gender
Gender determination of Great Snakehead can be challenging, especially when they are young and not sexually mature. However, as they reach maturity, some physical characteristics can help differentiate between male and female. 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 Great 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 behavior as they establish and defend their spawning sites.
Great Snakehead Fishing method
Fishing for Great Snakehead can be an exciting and challenging endeavor, as these fish are known for their aggressive nature and powerful strikes. One of the most popular methods is use of lures, like spinnerbaits, soft plastics, swimbaits, and topwater lures. These lures mimic the movement of prey, attracting the snakehead’s attention. Cast the lure near submerged vegetation, structure, or along the shoreline, and retrieve it with erratic movements to entice strikes.
Fishing with live bait is another effective way, common live baits include small fish, frogs, and even large insects. Use a hook appropriate for the size of your baitfish or frog, and allow it to swim freely or use a float to keep it near the surface. Live bait can be especially effective when fishing near their nesting sites.
Fly fishing for Great Snakehead can be challenging but rewarding. Use large, brightly colored flies that mimic fish or frogs. Cast these flies near cover or over the water’s surface and employ a stripping technique to imitate movement. Jigging with soft plastic lures or jigs can also be effective for Great Snakehead, especially when fishing in deeper water. Bounce the jig, off the bottom to mimic injured prey, can trigger strikes.