This species is distinguished from species of Channa and Parachanna by the following unique characters among channids: very slender with maximum body depth only 11.1-11.3% SL; eel-like body with head length only 20.8-21.6% SL; a large mouth with jaw length 60.4-61.1 % HL; A 43-44; absence of a body lateral line with pored scales; scales in a lateral series 83-85; colour pattern and absence of buoyancy; differs from other channids by having 64 vertebrae, D 56-57, and absence of pelvic fins (Ref. 120401).