Recognizing Northern Snakehead

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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Recognizing Northern Snakehead

Background Wild northern snakeheads have been Northern snakeheads are most readily The recent discovery of northern collected in Florida, California, identified by the long dorsal and anal fins, snakehead in Maryland captured the Massachusetts, and most recently, the dark, irregular blotches along their attention of local, regional, and national Maryland in the summer of 2002. The sides, pelvic fins located beneath the leaders. Many species of snakehead Maryland discovery was especially pectorals, and truncate (not rounded) tail. have been sold through the aquarium disturbing because juveniles were found, industry in pet stores and via the indicating successful natural Bowfin can most easily be distinguished Internet. Some species, including the reproduction in the wild. The blotched from the northern snakehead by the short northern snakehead, have been sold snakehead has been established in anal fin, pelvic fins in an abdominal through the live food fish industry. Hawaii for over a century. position, and rounded tail fin. Juvenile and male bowfin have an eyespot on the Introduction to the United States Identification tail (females lack this spot), a character Four species of snakeheads have been The northern snakehead is relatively not found in northern snakeheads. introduced into the United States: easy to identify by a few distinguishing Northern snakehead (Channa argus), characteristics. However, it is very Burbot can also be distinguished from the bullseye snakehead (C. marulius), giant similar to bowfin (Amia calva) and northern snakehead by several snakehead (C. micropeltes), and burbot (Lota lota ), two native species characteristics. Both fish have a long blotched snakehead (C. maculata). It is found in the United States. To minimize dorsal fin but the dorsal fin of the burbot believed that these introductions confusion among anglers, it is important is split, with a short dorsal fin in front of a were the result of intentional releases by to note and compare distinguishing longer one. Burbot also possess a single pet owners or fish purchased from the features among these species. barbel (whisker) beneath the lower jaw. live food fish trade.

Dorsal Fin

Eyespot (male or juvenile)

Northern Snakehead Long Short Bowﬁn Anal Fin

Together Dorsal Fin Split

Barbel Northern Snakehead Burbot

Anal Fin Reasons To Be Concerned Introduced species can disrupt an ecosystem and have devastating and unanticipated impacts. Snakeheads are predatory, consuming microscopic zooplankton and crustaceans as juveniles, and fish, insects, crustaceans as adults. This can severely alter the feeding habits, food availability, and behaviors of other members of an ecosystem.

Also, snakeheads can survive in water with very low oxygen, giving them a competitive advantage over other species, such as trout, pike, and bass Northern snakehead. (USGS) that require more oxygen in the water.

Once introduced, snakeheads can What Is Being Done? For More Information Contact: disperse to many other waters, even All species of snakeheads have recently U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service those containing very low oxygen. All been assigned injurious wildlife status Lower Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office snakeheads are capable of breathing under the Federal Lacey Act which 405 North French Road, Suite 120A atmospheric oxygen; some are prohibits the importation and interstate Amherst, NY 14228 facultative air breathers, meaning they transportation of wildlife deemed by the Phone: (716) 691-5456 can use either air or water to breathe, Secretary of the Interior to be Fax: (716) 691-6154 while others are obligate air breathers "injurious" to humans, agriculture, or that must breathe air or suffocate. A other wildlife resources. This includes Maryland Fishery Resources Office few species are capable of short both live snakeheads as well as viable 177 Admiral Cochrane Drive overland migrations. eggs. Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: (410) 263-2604 In areas where northern snakeheads Although legislation is an effective Fax: (410) 263-2608 have been introduced, sport fishing deterrent, accidental introductions are may also be impacted through either sometimes inevitable. Education is a U.S. Geological Survey direct predation on important native crucial component to preventing the Non-Indigenous Aquatic Species Site sport fish or through indirect introduction of these, as well as other http://nas.er.usgs.gov/ competition for food between the invasive aquatic species. E-mail: [email protected] introduced snakehead and the native sportfish. What Should I Do If I Catch One? Maryland DNR If you think you’ve caught a snakehead, http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/ ■ DO NOT put it back in the water. fishingreport/snakehead.html Kill it, freeze it (double bag), and notify a local resource agency. September 2003 ■ Make note of the exact location of capture. This is important for determining the distribution of the species and the potential application of control and management strategies. STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS! Prevent the transport of nuisance species. Clean all recreational equipment. www.ProtectYourWaters.net

When you leave a body of water: ■ Remove any visible mud, plants, ﬁsh or animals before transporting equipment. ■ Eliminate water from equipment before transporting. ■ Clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water (boats, trailers, Canine-like teeth of northern equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.). snakehead. (USGS) ■ Never release plants, ﬁsh or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water.