Fin's Fish Guide
The Cuchia (Monopterus cuchia) is a brackish-water fish of the family Synbranchidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Description
The cuchia is an eel-like swamp fish from fresh and brackish water of South Asia, in India, Bangladesh and Nepal. The species grows to about 80 cm and has a snake-like, almost finless, brownish-grey body with small eyes. Remarkably, it can breathe air with a modified throat cavity and so survive in oxygen-poor marshes, rice fields and mud; in drought it burrows in. It hunts worms, insects and small fish at night. It is a local food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cuchia?
The Cuchia has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Almost finless eel-like body; breathes air and survives drought
Where does the Cuchia live?
The Cuchia lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South Asia
How big does the Cuchia get?
The Cuchia grows to a maximum of about 80 cm.
Is the Cuchia dangerous to humans?
No, the Cuchia is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Cuchia edible?
Yes, the Cuchia is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Monopterus
More from the family Synbranchidae
Want the complete picture on the Cuchia?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cuchia is one of 12,519 species in the app.