Channa bipuli Praveenraj, Uma, Moulitharan & Bleher, 2018

Family:  Channidae (Snakeheads)
Max. size:  12.7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: India.
Diagnosis:  This species is distinguished from all its congeners by the following characters: with a unique bluish dorsum, 25-32 minute, well defined black spots on post-orbital region, inter-orbital region with fewer, dull black spots, lower jaw under-surface with minute black to brown spots, and numerous black spots on dorsum; similar to C. pardalis (West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya), but differs by having caudal-fin rays devoid of transverse bands (vs. caudal-fin rays with brown transverse bands), fifth ceratobranchial slender with erect, canine-like teeth (vs. large inwardly, curved, conical teeth), palatine elongated with five rows of teeth (vs. two rows of teeth) (Ref. 131049).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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