Parachanna

Parachanna is a genus of freshwater fish in the family Channidae, commonly known as African snakeheads. It represents the African lineage of snakeheads distinct from the Asian genus Channa and contains several described species native to Africa’s rivers, swamps, and floodplains.

Parachanna species are elongated, predatory fish with a broad, slightly flattened head and a large mouth. They have a long dorsal fin that runs along much of the body and a similarly elongated anal fin. Coloration varies among species and may include bands or blotches.

They inhabit tropical freshwater systems, often in slow-moving rivers, swamps, and floodplain habitats. They can tolerate a range of conditions, including warm temperatures and fluctuating oxygen levels. Like other snakeheads, they possess a suprabranchial labyrinth organ that enables aerial respiration, which allows them to survive in low-oxygen water and to move short distances over land during seasonal flooding.

Parachanna are ambush predators feeding on smaller fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and occasionally small vertebrates. They are typically territorial and may occupy large predatory territories within their habitat.

Reproduction is generally via mouthbrooding, with the male guarding the eggs and early fry until they are ready to swim.

In human use and conservation: Some Parachanna species are kept by aquarium hobbyists, but they require large, secure tanks and careful care due to their size and predatory behavior. Conservation status varies by species and region, with habitat destruction and overfishing posing local threats.