Classification / Names
Common names | Synonyms | Catalog of Fishes(genus, species) | ITIS | CoL | WoRMS | Cloffa
Teleostei (teleosts) >
Anabantiformes (Gouramies, snakeheads) >
Channidae (Snakeheads)
Etymology: Channa: Greek, channe, -es = an anchovy (Ref. 45335); ornatipinnis: Derived from the Latin words 'ornatus, a um' (ornate) and 'pinna' (fin), in reference to the striking coloration of the pectoral fins, which also resembles that of the pectoral fins of the ornate bichir, Polypterus ornatipinnis.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.1 - ?. Tropical; 23°C - ? (Ref. 75135)
Asia: Waloun Chaung in Rakhine State, Myanmar.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 20.5 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 75135)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 34 - 37; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 23 - 24; Vertebrae: 44 - 45. Diagnosed from all congeners by its unique color pattern consisting of numerous (10-20) large black spots on the cheeks (roughly pupil size), golden-orange lips, a red posterior rim of the opercular flap, 5-7 narrow alternating white and dark brown to black semicircular bands on the pectoral fin, three blotches on anterior of dorsal fin, and ref and bluish-grey scales with numerous black spots on body (Ref. 75135).
Body shape (shape guide): elongated; Cross section: circular.
Obligate air-breathing (Ref. 126274); Found in a small stream with shaded forested banks flowing down a steep hill and with clear, fast running water (Ref. 75135).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Britz, R., 2007. Channa ornatipinnis and C. pulchra, two new species of dwarf snakeheads from Myanmar (Teleostei: Channidae). Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwat. 18(4):335-344. (Ref. 75135)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: commercial
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