Can you ID this Channa please?

[Sidrock]

Hello MFK,

I saw these at an Wholesale market in Bombay. Can you give me the exact scientific names of these fish?

These are very enticing, but obviously, I will do all the research about these before deciding to keep any of these. Hence, this request for scientific names.

My (wild) guess is that this is a Channa stewartii or a Channa Bleheri or the Channa sp. Assam (Blue Bleheri). As you can see, I wasn't kidding about these being "wild" guesses. Price for these in Bombay was slightly less than that of an Florida Gar of the same size.

Larger Versions (load warning):
1. http://imgur.com/mBHjW.jpg
2. WIP
3. WIP

 

[gigas12]

Hi,he looks like an Assam!

 

[Sidrock]

Thank you gigas12

How to distinguish between Channa sp. Assam and Channa Bleheri?

From what I read, both don't have pelvic fins and both have blue masking (worming?) on their faces. The one distinguishing factor that I have noticed (which may not be correct) is the marking on the tail (Caudal fin).

Also, as Sp. Assam don't grow beyond 7 inches. So, I am considering keeping one (or maybe a "formed pair" if I can get one) in a 2.5ftx1.5ftx1.5ft tank. Is this a good idea?

Regards,
Sid

 

[chronick]

bleheri has orange sots on their tail, easiest way to tell.

 

[gigas12]

Hi,thats correct!