A review of the biological characteristics of ornamental and exotic giant snakeheadexotic, Channa micropeltes (Cuvier, 1831), reported from Anzali Wetland

The present work was conducted to study the biological characteristics of giant snakehead, Channa micropeltes, a popular ornamental species in the world. This species is native to Southeast Asia and also is distributed in Thailand, Laos (Mekong Basin), Vietnam, Malaysia, Sumatra (Bangka and Belitung Islands), Kalimantan and northern Java. Among the environmental characteristics, vegetation plays an important and key role in the habitat suitability of this species. This vicious predator has been introduced to other countries such as China, Philippines, Singapore, Italy and the United States. So far, many reports have been recorded on ecological consequences of introducing this invasive species, including the Philippines and Malaysia. Experts believe that introducing of giant snakehead to breeding cages will reduce the populations of other fish, including Chinese carp and tilapia, and thwart their breeding project. The information presented in this study can be a good guide for researchers and ichthyologists to study the biological and ecological characteristics of giant snakehead (C. micropeltes) in Iran.