Fish | Channa marulius (Saul) | fish | fishing | angler fish | goldfish |

Channa marulius (Saul)

This belongs to snakehead group of freshwater fishes inhabiting large lakes and rivers. It prefers deep stretches of water with sandy or rocky bottom. It is locally called as Saul and is highly valued for its flesh

 Geographical Distribution:

 This fish is commonly found in Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, China, Kampuchea and Sri Lanka.

Distinguishing Characters:

A large fish, body elongate and sub-cylindrical, head and mouth large, lower jaw with 7-18 canines, dorsal fin extends from head to the caudal region, caudal fin rounded. Plate like scales on the head. Pectoral fins about half head length. 56- 70 scales on lateral line. Since these fishes inhabit a variety of environments, their color differs accordingly. Usually above lateral line reddish with 5 or 6 dark oval blotches on flanks; below lateral line between blotches pale yellow, distinct white spots scattered on body. Juveniles with an orange band running from eye to middle of caudal fin

Feeding:

It usually feeds on fishes, frogs, snails and other small aquatic animals. As such, it takes live bait well, particularly frog.

Breeding:

Its spawning period extends from April to June. During this period the pairs of this fish form floating nests. The eggs are yellowish red with 2mm dia. Nests are guarded both by male & female. Eggs are hatched within 30- 54 hours and the fry remains guarded by the parents for about six weeks. It attains length of more than 120 cm.

Prospects in Aquaculture:

In view of its popularity for taste and compactness of flesh.