Channa pardalis Knight 2016

Channa pardalis is distinguished from all congeners by having the following characters: a unique color pattern consisting of numerous large black spots on the post-orbital region of the head, opercle and body; a broad white and black margin to the dorsal fin, anal fin and caudal fin; dorsal fin with 36-37 rays; anal fin with 24-25 rays; 44-45 pored scales on the body and two scales on the caudal fin base; 4½ scales above lateral line and 6½ scales below lateral line; 45 vertebrae and the palatine with two rows of teeth (outer row with numerous minute teeth and inner row with short, stout inward curved teeth) (Ref. 115983).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 36 - 37; Analsoft rays: 24 - 25; Vertebrae: 45

aquarium: commercial

Channa pardalis

Channa pardalis is a species of dwarf snakehead in the genus Channa. It was first described in 2016 from Khasi Hills, Meghalaya of northeastern India. Prior to its scientific description, it was known as Channa sp. "True Blue" or Channa sp. "Meghalaya" in the aquarium trade, although some claim that "Meghalaya" is another, still undescribed species. C. pardalis is closely related to C. bipuli and C. stewartii.