Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Chel Snakehead Fish Rediscovered After 85 Years in India
Imagine a fish that scientists thought was gone forever, like a lost treasure.
This fish, called the Chel snakehead, lives in a river in India.
People hadn't seen it in over 85 years!
But guess what?
It was found again recently!
Scientists are super excited because it shows that nature still has secrets, and things can come back even after we think they're gone.
The fish is also pretty to look at, with cool stripes, and people want to buy it for their aquariums, which also brings some economic interests.
This helps remind us to take care of nature!
A fish species, the Chel snakehead, was rediscovered in the Chel river after 85 years.
The fish, scientifically named Channa amphibeus, was last seen between 1918 and 1933.
The Chel snakehead was spotted three times in 2024 near its source river in Kalimpong.
The fish has chrome-yellow to orange stripes and a neon patch, and is in demand in the ornamental fish market.
A juvenile Chel snakehead sells for around ₹150 per piece.
- Who
- The Chel snakehead fish (Channa amphibeus), district fisheries department, and ichthyologists.
- What
- The rediscovery of the Chel snakehead fish.
- When
- Spotted three times in 2024; last recorded between 1918 and 1933.
- Where
- Chel river in Kalimpong, India.
- Why
- The rediscovery reinforces the ecological significance of the region and shows biodiversity persistence.
Conservation Focus
Commercial Interest
Balancing Conservation with Commercial Interests
Conservation Focus
Conservation and propagation efforts are needed for the Chel snakehead.
Commercial Interest
Aquarium trade offers economic interest but may impact conservation efforts.
- Scientific Name
- Channa amphibeus
- Local Name
- Bora Chung
- Last Recorded
- Between 1918-1933
- Rediscovery Year
- 2024
- Location
- Chel river, Kalimpong
- Juvenile Price
- ₹150 per piece