[3] It is native to the fresh waters of Southeast Asia (South Indian populations are now regarded as a separate species, C. diplogramma),[3][4] but has also been introduced elsewhere and is considered invasive in Taiwan.

As the giant snakehead matures, it loses its stripes and redness, and instead develops a bluish-black and white pattern on its upper body.

As the result of human introductions, C. micropeltes has been reported in six US states: Maine, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Maryland and Rhode Island.

[11][12] Biologists were concerned that warm water effluents could allow the tropical species to survive in colder climates,[11] but as yet there is no evidence of established populations anywhere in the United States, with all catches believed to be aquarium releases.

[14][15][16] An attempt is made at controlling the species in Sun Moon Lake through a targeted fishery for mature pre-spawn females.

In traditional Chinese medicine theory, eating this fish is believed to help in healing of the body, for example, after surgery or severe cuts and scrapes.

C. micropeltes, frequently referred to as the red or redline snakehead in the fishkeeping hobby, is a popular fish to be sold in the pet trade.