Shol fish or channa striata is a cannibalistic freshwater fish. This fish found all over the south Asian countries. They are available in pond, plunge, canal, swamp, marsh, paddy field and almost all types of water.
Shol fish is very strong and hardy. They also known as shoal fish, channa striata, shoul fish, snakehead fish etc. Physical characteristics, classification, food habit, diseases and breeding of this fish are described below.
Classification of Shol Fish
The scientific classification of this fish species are listed below.
- Kingdom : Animalia
- Phylum : Chordata
- Class : Actinopterygii
- Order : Perciformes
- Family : Channidae
- Genus : Channa
- Species : C. striata
- Scientific Name : Channa striata
Characteristics
Shol fish has a distinctive appearance with a long and slender body, a large mouth, and a pointed head. It can grow up to 1 meter in length and weigh up to 5 kg.
The color of Shol fish can vary from brown to greenish-brown, with dark vertical stripes on its body. The fins of Shol fish are large and fan-like, with a reddish coloration. The body of the fish is covered with scales that are smooth and shiny.
Habitat
Shol fish is commonly found in slow-moving rivers, ponds, and swamps with muddy bottoms. It prefers warm water with a temperature range of 20-30°C and a pH range of 6.5-8.5.
Shol fish is an air-breathing fish and can survive in low-oxygen environments. It is known to hide in submerged vegetation, rocks, and other structures.
Behavior
Shol fish is a highly territorial and aggressive fish species. It is known to defend its territory against other fish species and can be seen patrolling its area.
Shol fish is also known to be a predatory fish and feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and insects. It is an air-breathing fish and can survive in low-oxygen environments. Shol fish has a relatively long lifespan of up to 10 years in the wild.
Breeding
The breeding season for Shol fish usually starts during the monsoon season. The male fish builds a nest in shallow water using weeds, grass, and other materials.
The female fish lays her eggs in the nest, and the male fertilizes them. The male then guards the nest and the eggs until they hatch.
Diet
Shol fish is a carnivorous fish species and feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and insects. It is known to be an opportunistic feeder and will eat almost anything that is available.
In captivity, Shol fish can be fed a high-protein diet that is specifically designed for them. They should be fed twice a day, preferably at the same time every day.
Uses
Shol fish is a popular game fish among anglers and is known for its aggressive and fighting nature. It is also a popular food fish in India, Bangladesh, and other Southeast Asian countries.
Nutritive Value
The amount of nutritive element in shol fish are listed below.
| Nutrition | Nutritive Element (Per 100g fish) |
| Protein | 11.2g |
| Fat | 2.3g |
| Iron | 0.54g |
| Calcium | 0.14g |
| Phosphorus | 0.2g |
