Giant snakehead

Giant snakehead (Channa micropeltes) is a freshwater species recorded in Singapore, Malaysia.

Scientific name: Channa micropeltes · Water: Freshwater · Also known as: Giant Snakehead (Toman)

Size: 40–100 cm

Weight: 1–15 kg

About

The giant snakehead (toman) is Singapore's toughest freshwater predator, native to Southeast Asia and an air-breather that surfaces regularly near weeds and submerged timber. It has a vice-like jaw and dives straight into snags, making it a bucket-list target for local lure anglers. Catchable all year, most active at dawn and on overcast days.

Differences by region

• Singapore — Local name：Giant snakehead · Common methods：Shore / surf · Size：40–100 cm · Weight：1–15 kg
• Malaysia — Local name：Giant Snakehead (Toman) · Common methods：General・Shore / surf・Boat · Size：40–100 cm · Weight：2–15 kg

Ecology and habitat

Water layer

Near-bottom / mid-lower

Trophic level

3.9

Fishery and market

Game fish

Yes

Resilience

Low

Angling traits

• Iconic target
• Challenging

Methods

• Shore / surf

Sources

• FishBase — Channa micropeltes
• Wikipedia — Channa micropeltes
• 邵廣昭 臺灣魚類資料庫 網路電子版 — 別名
• Wikipedia – Channa micropeltes
• IUCN Red List – Channa micropeltes

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