OPHIOCEPHALUS PUNCTATUS (SNAKE HEAD)

Contents hide

1) Introduction

2) Classification of Ophiocephalus punctatus (Snake Head)

3) Geographical distribution

4) Habit and habitat

5) General Characteristics of Ophiocephalus punctatus (Snake Head)

6) Ecological Importance

7) Conservation Status of Ophiocephalus punctatus

8) Special features

9) Identification

Introduction

Ophiocephalus punctatus, commonly known as the spotted snakehead, is a freshwater fish species belonging to the family Channidae. Native to South and Southeast Asia, it is a predatory species renowned for its adaptability, resilience, and aggressive feeding behavior. The snakehead fish derives its name from the snake-like appearance of its elongated body and scaled head.

The spotted snakehead is a vital species in its ecosystem, contributing significantly to aquatic biodiversity and serving as both a predator and prey. Its ability to breathe atmospheric air through a specialized organ enables it to survive in low-oxygen environments, making it a fascinating subject of ecological and biological studies.

Classification of Ophiocephalus punctatus (Snake Head)

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Pisces (Paired fins, gills and skin with scales.)
Class :- Osteichthyes (Bony fishes. Skin contains dermal scales. Paired lateral fins present. Gills, air bladder present. Cleavage meroblastic.)
Sub-Class :- Actinopterygii (Modern fishes. Vertebrae amphicoelous. Caudal fin homocercal, Scales cycloid or ctenoid. Nostrils do not communicate with mouth cavity.
Superorder : Teleostei (Bony fish proper)
Order :- Ophicephaliformes (Teeth present on jaws and palate.)
Genus :- Ophiocephalus
Species :- punctatus

Geographical distribution

Native to South and Southeast Asia, found in countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar.
Introduced in several other regions due to its hardiness and economic value.

Habit and habitat

Habit:
- Carnivorous, feeding on small fish, insects, and amphibians.
- Exhibits aggressive territorial behavior and is known for its ambush-style hunting.
Habitat:
- Commonly found in fresh-water ponds and rarely in flowing waters.
- They are able to survive drought in semifluid or beneath dry mud and have an accessory branchial cavity for aerial breathing.
- Inhabits freshwater bodies such as rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, and irrigation canals.
- Prefers stagnant or slow-moving waters with dense vegetation.
- Thrives in low-oxygen environments, thanks to its air-breathing capability.

General Characteristics of Ophiocephalus punctatus (Snake Head)

Commonly referred to as snake-headed fish. Colour of the fish varies with water, with greenish back, yellowish sides and striped abdomen. Some specimens possess scattered dots on the head.
Body is elongated and cylindrical and differentiated into head, trunk and tail. Head and body covered with cycloid scales. Head contains nostril, mouth and eyes.
Head triangular, tapers into a pointed snout. Teeth present on jaws and palate. Maxillae excluded from border of upper jaw. Lower jaw protruding beyond upper jaw.
Suprabranchial organ present for breathing.
Dorsal and anal fins are long. Pectoral fins nearer to ventral fin. Dorsal fin extends from near operculum upto near caudal fin. Anal fin originates from middle of the body and extending upto near caudal fin.
Caudal fin is rounded and fan-shaped.
Lateral line is slightly curved. Air bladder long.

Ecological Importance

Economic importance : Ophiocephalus is eaten as food. It raw flesh is used to cure ulcers.
Trophic Regulation: Acts as a top predator in freshwater ecosystems, controlling populations of smaller fish and invertebrates.
Nutrient Cycling: Contributes to the recycling of nutrients through its feeding and excretory processes.
Ecosystem Resilience: Its adaptability makes it crucial for maintaining balance in degraded aquatic systems

Conservation Status of Ophiocephalus punctatus

Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but localized threats include:
- Habitat destruction due to urbanization and pollution.
- Overfishing for consumption and aquarium trade.
Conservation efforts include habitat restoration and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

Special features

Air-Breathing Ability: Equipped with a suprabranchial organ, allowing it to breathe atmospheric air and survive out of water for short periods. It can breath atmospheric air due to the present of a supra-branchial cavity. The fish acts as host for camallanid nematodes.
Resilience: Can survive in extreme conditions, including droughts, by burrowing into moist substrates.
Economic Importance: A valuable species in local fisheries, prized for its high-quality meat.
Aggressive Behavior: Known for its territorial nature and ability to defend its habitat from intruders.
Reproductive Adaptations: Exhibits parental care, with both parents guarding eggs and fry to ensure survival.