The diploid chromosome number and karyotype of Hybrid Snakehead (Channa maculata ♀×C.argus ♂ ) and its inbreeding population (F2) were studied by somatic cells in vivo culture.The results indicated that the diploid chromosome number of hybrid snakehead was 2n=45,karyotype formula was 3m+4sm+6st+32t,and arm number (NF) was 52.The inbreeding population (F2) had two kinds of karyotype,a sort of diploid chromosome number 2n=45,and karyotype formula 3m+4sm+6st+32t,NF=52; and the other diploid chromosome number 2n=44,and karyotype formula 2m+4sm+6st+32t,NF=50.The comparative analysis showed that the karyotype formula of F2 (2n=45) was consistent with that of hybrid snakehead,however there was a metacentric chromosome missed in chromosome of some F2 individuals (2n=44) compared to hybrid snakehead.Therefore,it can be speculated that hybrid snakehead may produce two kinds of generative cells with 23 and 22 chromosomes,respectively.