Embryonic and Larval Development of the Striped Snakehead Channa striatus

The present study elucidated the embryonic and larval development of snakehead Channa striatus from fertilization until metamorphosis. The snakehead was successfully bred in the laboratory by injecting ovaprim, a synthetic hormone (0.5 mL/kg body weight). Spawning took place 24-26 hrs after the hormone injection. The fertilized eggs were floating, non-adhesive and straw yellow in color. The average diameter of fertilized eggs ranged from 1.20-1.40 mm. Incubation periods was about 23-24 hr at a temperature of 29 ± 1°C. The percentage of hatching varied from 80-85. The newly hatched larva was 3.4 ± 0.2 mm in length. The yolk absorption was completed within three days after hatching. The larvae metamorphosed into juveniles within 20 days after hatching.