Bullseye snakehead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bullseye snakehead |
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The bullseye snakehead or great snakehead (scientific name: Channa marulius) is a large type of snakehead fish. It lives naturally in South Asia. Scientists have found that similar-looking snakeheads in Southeast Asia are actually different species.
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Discovering Different Kinds of Bullseye Snakeheads
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Scientists used to think that all bullseye snakeheads were the same species. But after studying them closely, especially their DNA, they found out that there are actually several different kinds! This is like finding out that what you thought was one type of dog is actually a few different breeds.
Where Do They Live?
The true C. marulius lives in India. You can find it in many reservoirs and rivers. For example, it lives in the Pechipparai and Mettur dams in Tamil Nadu. It also lives in the Pong Dam in Himachal Pradesh, where people call it soal. In Assam, it's known as xal (pronounced "shal"). In Andhra and Telangana, it's called korrameenu. In Sindh, bigger ones are called Shakur and smaller ones Mukur.
Other Snakehead Species
Scientists have identified other species that look similar to C. marulius:
- C. pseudomarulius: This species lives in the southern Western Ghats in India.
- C. aurolineata: This one is found in rivers in Myanmar and Thailand. It has also been introduced to the United States.
- C. auroflammea: This new species was found in the Mekong river basin.
Snakeheads in Sri Lanka
C. marulius also lives in Sri Lanka. Here, there are two special types:
- Channa ara: This type is called Kalumaha (Sinhala: කලුමහ). It has a very dark body with white or gold spots. It lives only in the Mahaweli River basin. It can grow to about 50-65 cm long, but some have been seen up to 90-100 cm! Sadly, these fish are at risk because too many are caught for food or for the pet trade.
- Channa cf. Ara: This type lives in the rivers of southwestern Sri Lanka. It is a bit smaller and thinner than Channa ara, growing to about 55-68 cm.
Why Are Bullseye Snakeheads Important?
Bullseye snakeheads grow quickly, which makes them good for fish farming. They can also breathe air, so they are easier to raise in tanks. People like to buy them live because their meat tastes great and doesn't have many small bones. This makes them a valuable fish in the market.
