Giant Snakehead

The giant snakehead is the largest in the family Channidae, capable of growing to over 1 meter in length (3 feet) and a weight of over 20 kilograms (40 pounds). It is widely distributed in the freshwater of South East Asia and some regions of India. Other names include red snakehead, redline snakehead, Malabar snakehead, and Ikan toman.

The young of the giant snakehead are red in color, with orange and black lateral stripes appearing after about two months. As the giant snakehead matures, they lose their stripes and instead develop a bluish black and white pattern on their upper body. Juveniles sold in the aquarium fish trade are commonly called red or redline snakeheads.

Being a high level predator means that the giant snakehead eats many other fish and even small birds, but is not preyed upon by many other species. The giant snakehead is considered gregarious, with the young often following their mother closely. There have been reports of protective mother giant snakehead attacking men who have disturbed the snakehead's school of juveniles.

In Malaysia and Singapore, known locally as the toman, The Philippines they are called dalag while in Indonesia called with gabus or haruan, are cultured in fish ponds and reservoirs as game fish because they put up a strong fight when hooked. The giant snakehead is also a good food fish, and is often served in Chinese restaurants. Some people, however, dislike the muddy taste associated with freshwater fish.In Thailand this fish is prepared in a variety of ways, especially barbecued, being a common food item offered by street vendors.