''Channa rara'' is a species of
labyrinth
In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth () is an elaborate, confusing structure designed and built by the legendary artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos. Its function was to hold the Minotaur, the monster eventually killed by the h ...
fish of the
snakehead family (
Channidae
The snakeheads are members of the freshwater perciform fish family Channidae, native to parts of Africa and Asia. These elongated, predatory fish are distinguished by their long dorsal fins, large mouths, and shiny teeth. They breathe air with ...
). It was described in 2019.
Distribution
It is endemic to India. Common in the basin of the
Jagbudi River in the state of
Maharashtra
Maharashtra () is a state in the western peninsular region of India occupying a substantial portion of the Deccan Plateau. It is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, the Indian states of Karnataka and Goa to the south, Telangana to th ...
in the west of the country.
Description
A small fish up to 9 cm long. The body is elongated, cylindrical with a large head. The color is blue-gray with oblique dark vertical stripes. A specific feature from other species of the gahua group is the presence of two spots. There are two black spots at the end of the dorsal fin, and 6-7 stripes on the pectoral fins.
Lifestyle
Occurs in various biotopes (large and medium-sized fast-flowing rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and canals). The soil can also be any. Leads a solitary lifestyle. Lives on the bottom among fallen branches and leaves or among stones (in fast rivers). It feeds on aquatic invertebrates and small fish. Spawning is paired. The male carries the eggs in his mouth. The fry also remain under the care of the male, who takes the babies into his mouth in case of danger or for the night.
References
External links
Channa rara et Novotaxa
*
{{Taxobar, from=Q87700945
rara
Rara or RARA may refer to:
* Rara music, a form of festival music originating in Haiti
* Rara festival, a Lent carnival in Haiti
* Rara Lake, lake in Nepal
* Rara, Nepal, a village in Karnali Zone
* Rara National Park, a protected area in Nepa ...
Fish described in 2019
Endemic fauna of India