Overview
The snakehead is an invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species in the United States with potential to threaten native fishes, the recreational fishing industry and aquatic ecosystems. These freshwater fish are able breathe air out of water and can cross land, propelling themselves by moving their head and back fin in opposite directions. These adaptations allow them to survive out of water for up to four days.
Prior to being added to the list of injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act in 2002, which banned import and interstate transport without a permit, snakeheads were sold in pet stores and in live food fish markets and some restaurants in several major U.S. cities.
What to do if you capture a snakehead fish
- Do not release the fish or throw it up on the bank (it could wriggle back into the water). Remember, this fish is an air breather and can live a long time out of water.
- Kill the fish by freezing it or putting it on ice for an extended length of time.
- Photograph the fish if you have access to a camera so the species of snakehead fish can be positively identified.
- Contact your state conservation agency or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (703-358-2148) as soon as possible. Keeping data on the size, number and location of where snakeheads are caught or seen is vital to controlling this invasive fish.
Scientific Name
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Habitat
Snakeheads are freshwater fishes with little, if any, tolerance for saltwater. Within their native and introduced ranges, they live in small and large streams, canals, rivers, ponds, reservoirs, and lakes. Many species can tolerate a wide range of pH, and one species living in Malaysia and parts of Indonesia prefers highly acid waters (pH 2.8-3.8). The northern snakehead and several other species prefer to live in somewhat dense aquatic vegetation where they feed and reproduce. Northern snakehead may tolerate a wide range of water temperatures and environmental conditions which contributes to their success as an invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species .
Life Cycle
A mature snakehead female can carry as many as 50,000 eggs, although some will not develop and others will be eaten by insects and small fishes following fertilization. Depending on water temperature, eggs can hatch in about 24-48 hours.
Similar Species
Be sure not to confuse a snakehead with the native bowfin - a long-lived and ancient fish.
Snakehead:
- Striking python-like patterns on their body
- Scales on top of head
- Long anal fin
- Pelvic fins close to the pectoral fins and gills
Bowfin:
- Little to no pattern on the scales
- No scales on top of head
- Short anal fin
- Pelvic fins set back from gills and pectoral fins
Timeline
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