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Lefraguri Swamp, Brahmaputra basin, Western Assam, India

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Ahead through research

India, Assam, near Kokrajhar and Bongaigaon districts

Channa andrao lives in small, slow-moving hill streams and seasonal forest pools near the Brahmaputra River in western Assam, close to the Bhutan border. These shallow streams usually less than half a meter deep flow gently through forested valleys.

The water is shaded by thick growths of bamboo, wild cane, and large forest trees. Dead leaves, twigs, and branches collect in the stream, forming a soft, leaf-litter bottom. This natural debris not only turns the water tea-brown but also provides perfect cover for the fish to rest, hide, or guard their territory. These quiet, shaded waters suit the shy nature of Channa andrao, especially during the breeding season.

Submitted by
Devagya Uikey
Approved by
Hans-Georg Evers & Friedrich Bitter
GPS
26.5755386, 89.7926483
Geographical region
Southern Asia
Drainage Basin
Brahmaputra
River catchment
Raidak River
Water body type
Hill streams
Water body name
Unnamed stream
Water body part
Flood plain
Water body course
Headwaters
Water body: tributary of
Wetland
Tributary name
Lefraguri Swamp

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Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
fresh-water
Water color
Clear water
Water transparency
High
Concentration of sediments
Low
Water temperature
22–28°C °C
Water flow/curent
Slow

Chemical parameters

pH
7.8
Conductivity
200
GH
7 mg/l
dGH
KH
4 mg/l
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen
45 %

Substrate in nature

Sand
Beige
Pebble/Gravel
Mixed
Stone
Brown
Stone form
Flat
Silt/Mud
Brown
Leaves
Adundant
Driftwood
Many
Submerged terrestrial vegetation
Yes

Aquatic Biotope

Date of collecting
Collecting area
Water depth
Air temperature
Sunlight
Filtered/dappled sun

Environment

Environment
Affected by human activity
Affected by human activity
Deforestation
Deforestation
Advanced
Surrounding area

The region has a warm, humid subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. During the monsoon, streams overflow into still forest pools, where Channa andrao takes shelter and breeds.

The riparian zone is lined with bamboo, wild banana, and native trees like Terminalia bellirica and Dipterocarpus turbinatus. These plants drop leaves and branches into the stream, enriching the water with organic material and tannins, creating a cool, shaded, and nutrient-rich habitat.

Underwater landscape

The water is soft, tannin-stained, and slightly acidic to neutral depending on season and flow. The bottom is made up of light beige sand, scattered pebbles, dark silt, and a thick layer of decomposing leaves and twigs. Driftwood and branch tangles form hiding places. Aquatic vegetation is sparse but includes Cryptocoryne crispatula, Hygrophila polysperma, Limnophila sessiliflora, and floating Salvinia cucullata in calm zones. The water is tea-colored with low to moderate oxygen saturation (~45-55%).

Fish list:

  • Channa andrao (Channidae)
  • Danio assamila (Danionidae)
  • Pethia conchonius (Cyprinidae)
  • Gudusia chapra (Clupeidae)
  • Dario dario (Badidae)
  • Channa aurantimaculata (Channidae)
  • Acanthocobitis pavonacea (Nemacheilidae)

Aquatic plant list:

  • Cryptocoryne crispatula (Araceae)
  • Hygrophila polysperma (Acanthaceae)
  • Limnophila sessiliflora (Plantaginaceae)
  • Rotala rotundifolia (Lythraceae)

Terrestrial vegetation list:

  • Dipterocarpus turbinatus (Dipterocarpaceae)
  • Terminalia bellirica (Combretaceae)
  • Bambusa nutans (Poaceae)
  • Musa balbisiana (Musaceae)
  • Salix tetrasperma (Salicaceae)

Wetland plant list:

  • Salvinia cucullata (Salviniaceae)
Threats to ecology
  • Deforestation and bamboo cutting reduce shade and leaf litter input.
  • Agricultural runoff from rice fields and tea plantations brings chemicals into the stream. Seasonal streams are often diverted or drained, especially near settlements.
  • Plastic waste and organic pollution from villages also affect water quality.
  • Road construction and small damming projects further fragment the habitat.

Together, these changes threaten the survival of sensitive species like Channa andrao and the biodiversity of the stream system.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat
Many -

Bibliography

Sitography

→ FishBase
→ CAS - Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes
→ gbif.org
→ Journal of Fisheries

Comment by the expert

Hans-Georg Evers: Title is confusing.

Friedrich Bitter: One could also mention how the habitat changes throughout the year.