C. bleheri is a popular aquarium fish though it remains unclear whether collection for the ornamentaol trade is having a detrimental effect on wild populations (see ‘Habitat’).

It’s one of several genus members to lack pelvic fins and can be further distinguished from other Channa species by the following combination of characters: sides of lower jaw with one large cycloid scale; lateral line complete with 46-50 scales; 14 pectoral-fin rays; 25 anal-fin rays; 4-11 irregular reddish orange markings on the caudal-fin