| Channidae (Snakeheads) |
| 53.2 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
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benthopelagic; freshwater, |
| Africa: Kouilou River in Republic of Congo (Ref. 81648), Ogooué basin in Gabon (Ref. 81648, 111328) and the Congo basin in Central African Republic, Republic of Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ref. 111328). Sympatric with Parachanna obscura in some parts of the Ogowe and Congo basins (Ref. 3575). |
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Dorsal spines (total): -0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 40-44; Anal spines: -0; Anal soft rays: 27-31. Diagnosis: 25-33 scales in transverse series, 73-86 scales in lateral line; 40-44 dorsal rays; 27-31 anal rays (Ref. 81648).
Description: body elongate; scales moderate sized; lateral line complete; head depressed anteriorly and covered with scales that are larger than those on body; lower jaw longer than upper jaw, with 4-5 well-developed canines; eyes laterally placed and comparatively large; dorsal and anal fins do not contact caudal fin, which is rounded and slightly pointed terminally (Ref. 81648).
Coloration: preserved specimens with grey base body colouration, often with pale marbling on ventral side; flanks with traces of dark stripes forming variably developed chevrons, or 5-7 large, almost geometric spots that are more or less connected to another series of blotches on dorsum; small dark maculae, forming oblique bands, variously developed on fins; small black spot at base of caudal often visible (Ref. 81648). |
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Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
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| harmless |
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