Channa is a genus of fish in the family Channidae, commonly known as snakehead. This genus 34 contains scientifically described species, but the most well known are probably the Northern snakehead (Channa argus) and the Giant snakehead (Channa micropeltes). These species have a wide natural distribution extending from Iran in the west, to China in the east and parts of Siberia in the Far East. They are one of the most common staple food fish in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and other South East Asian countries, where they are extensively cultured. Apart from their importance as a food fish, snakeheads are also consumed as a therapeutic for wound healing as well as reducing post-operative pain and discomfort and collected for the international aquarium pet trade. The diets of various species