Snakehead species differences, info, etc

[syrianrue]

what exactly are the differences between Channa sp. assam, Channa sp true blue, Channa sp galaxy blue, channa stewartii, and channa bleheri?

the bleheri is easier to identify because they are smaller right? but between the others, they all look very similar to me.. the true blue and galaxy blue obviously can be identified by their blue color, but aside from the blue distinction, they all seem to have the same body.

other than this site's guide on the different species of snakeheads(which doesn't include sp true blue, galaxy blue) is there a comprehensive web site, book, or dvd on snakehead fish?

 

[fish_sauce]

Read other people's threads, look at lots of pictures, check out the species guide, and make local friends that keep snakeheads.

 

[Brucki]

Hi,

imho true blue and galaxy blue are the same species, maybe different catch locations.
true blues are very similar to stewartii, but more blue colour on the body, and different in the black dots.

Here are pictures of the other species, cause I do not have treu blues.

Channa bleheri, these are nestbuliders and feed feeder eggs

Channa sp. "Assam", these are mouthbrooders and feed feeder eggs

Channa stewartii sp. "himalaya", these are mouthbrooders, too and feed feeder eggs.

stewartii sp. "himalaya"

 

[Tabby7]

Brucki is right, Channa sp. 'True Blue', 'Moonbeam Galaxy' and 'Blue Galaxy' are all the same fish which is a hill stream Channa stewartii variant. There's not much extensive study done on them hence until then the only thing I know is they are all different trade names. These have a few catch locations and their dazzling blue colours depends on them. As far as I know, when they were sold as True Blues they were from a catch location which yielded dazzling blue colour fish and the Moonbeam Galaxy ones are not the dazzling blue but the same body pattern. My first batch of them in 2008 had a stunning blue sheen and patches throughout their bodies. But the second lot in 2009 were not a dazzling blue but blues in the fins and the same body pattern came in as 'Moonbeam Galaxy' and after checking heard they were the same fish but from a different catch location and not in their superb cold water colours. So basically, regional variants don't help matters but overall same fish. All we can hope is, when we buy fish we should ensure we pick up good specimens as the same wild caught fish can vary slightly over time to time due to various factors.

Brucki has covered the other bits very well for you.

Cheers,
Tabby

 

[syrianrue]

thanks guys

 

[Rusty Gilbert]

i wish ppl were more mature and didnt toss them away they are awesome creatures but they dont belong in our eco system which is understood but mine was awesome and wish i could get another