Question

Lata fish is
A. Channa
B. Lates
C. Heteropneustes
D. Catla

Answer 1

Hint: The term fish is explained as a variety of vertebrates of several evolutionary lines. It also describes a life-form rather than a taxonomic group. They belong to phylum Chordata and are found in fresh and saltwater. Most of the species are cold-blooded; however, Lampris guttatus is warm-blooded.

Complete answer:
The lata fish (Ophiocephalus or Channa) punctatus is the most common bony fish These fishes are also called snake- headed fishes because the head of these fishes resembles that of snakes. The anatomy of Lata is incompletely known and it is typically prepared on the basic teleostean plan.

Lata fish belongs to the family Channidae and genus Channa and is native to the freshwater habitats in Asia. The ability to breathe in air by its accessory respiratory organ helps the fish to thrive well out of water for a considerable period of time.

• Phylum- Chordata
• Subphylum- Vertebrata
• Series- Pisces
• Class- Teleostomi
• Subclass- Actinopterygii
• Order- Ophiocephaliformes
• Family- Ophiocephalus
• Scientific name- Channa punctatus

The fishes are usually carnivorous and eat other small fishes and small aquatic animals. They also migrate from one pond to another pond during the rainy season. They have the ability to breathe in air; its accessory respiratory organ helps the fish to thrive well out of water for a considerable period of time. Lata Fish has an elongated body and is covered with ctenoid scales. Body is divided into head, trunk and tail. The head is depressed and covered by large plate-like scales resembling the ‘head shields’ of snakes that is why this fish is also known as “snakehead”.

So, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Channa punctatus or Lata fish is found throughout the plains of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Channa species are the most common staple food in Asian countries. Snakeheads are used in some regions as a traditional medicine for wound healing and reducing post-operative pain and discomfort.