Giant Snakehead

(Channa micropeltes)

The giant (or red) snakehead is an aggressive predator that feeds on fish, frogs, aquatic birds, and, in some cases, small mammals. It grows up to 40 inches and can weigh over 15 pounds. The fish is able to survive in waters with very low dissolved oxygen and if faced with deteriorating environmental conditions, can actually move over land and has been known to survive out of water for periods of 3-4 days. Snakeheads are common fish in the pet-trade industry and favored by Asian fish markets for its delicate flesh.