It is this color phase that gives the species its name.

Large males that are in terminal color phase will defend breeding sites where females migrate to on a daily basis.

In captivity, there are several color phases available including orange and amelanistic (yellow).

Channa diplogramma shows multiple color phases during its life history, which makes local fishers, believe that they are different species.

All these specimen in different color phases occur sympatrically and utilize the same ecological habitat.

An all-rufous color phase has been noted in Central Africa.

Three distinct color phases are found: uniform, blotched, or striped.

If the birds were hatched into a mixed pair, they will mate with either color phase.

This darkens as they grow until they reach the adult color phase at a length of about 30 cm.

Numerous other color phases, and patterns occur between and within regions.