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The systematics and ecology of snakeheads (Pisces: Channidae) in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore

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Ecology and Conservation of Southeast Asian Marine and Freshwater Environments including Wetlands

Part of the book series: Developments in Hydrobiology ((DIHY,volume 98))

Abstract

Seven species of snakeheads (Channidae) are known from Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, viz. Channa bankanensis, C. gachua, C. lucius, C. marulioides, C. melasoma, C. micropeltes and C. striata. Up-to-date distribution maps of each species are presented, including new records. Their systematics is reviewed and partially revised. The taxonomic status of C. marulioides and C. melanoptera is clarified. Specimens from Peninsular Malaysia identified as C. melanoptera sensu Weber & de Beaufort, 1922, proved to be the adult form of C. marulioides s.str. The real C. melanoptera appears to be restricted to Borneo and possibly Sumatra. The life history of a blackwater species C. bankanensis is also documented, with regards to the morphological and colour-pattern changes associated with growth. An updated key to the seven species based on morphometric measurements and meristic counts is presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge, Singapore 0511, Republic of Singapore

    P. G. Lee & Peter K. L. Ng

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  1. P. G. Lee
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  2. Peter K. L. Ng
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Society of Marine Sciences, Zoology Department, University of Malaya, 59100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    A. Sasekumar (Chairman, Organising Committee) & President of the Malaysian) & N. Marshall (Adjunct Professor) (Chairman, Organising Committee) & President of the Malaysian) &  (Adjunct Professor)

  2. Horn Point Environmental Labs, Cambridge, MD, 21613, USA

    N. Marshall (Adjunct Professor) (Adjunct Professor)

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Lee, P.G., Ng, P.K.L. (1994). The systematics and ecology of snakeheads (Pisces: Channidae) in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. In: Sasekumar, A., Marshall, N., Macintosh, D.J. (eds) Ecology and Conservation of Southeast Asian Marine and Freshwater Environments including Wetlands. Developments in Hydrobiology, vol 98. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-0958-1_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-0958-1_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-4414-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-0958-1

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