Systematic position Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes) Order: Perciformes (Perches) Suborder: Channoidei (Ophiocephaliformes) Family: Channidae (Snakeheads) Genus: Channa Species: C. orientalis Synonyms Channa gachua (non-Hamilton, 1822; misspelled name) Ophicephalus apus Canestrini, 1861 Ophiocephalus apus Canestrini, 1861 Ophiocephalus aurantiacus Hamilton,