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Anthony Horowitz | 388 pages | 04 Sep 2008 | Penguin Putnam Inc | 9780142412121 | English | New York, NY, Snakehead (fish) - Wikipedia

They are all fierce and very capable predators, however, and they can all breathe in air. Snakeheads are native to Asia and . They have been transported to North America for the pet trade and for food stores that sell living fish. The have appeared in some U. Their presence in the wild is very worrying. They have no natural predators in North America and may be a serious threat to native wildlife. Snakeheads have an elongated body. Different exhibit different color patterns. Fin placement and appearance is the same in all of the species, however. It's one method used to identify invasive snakeheads in North America. The fish have a long on their back, as shown above. The pectoral fins are located on their sides behind their head. The pelvic fins are located on the undersurface almost directly below the pectoral fins. The anal fin is located on the undersurface towards the rear of the and is generally about two thirds of the length of the dorsal fin. Like other fish, snakeheads have a caudal tail fin at the end of their body. There are two genera of snakeheads. Member of the genus live in Asia, , and . The genus is found in Africa. The video below shows the peacock snakehead, or Channa pulcra. The head of a snakefish has enlarged scales. The eyes are often shifted towards the front of the head. These features resemble those of a snake, giving the fish their name. Snakeheads obtain oxygen from air as well as water. The animals use their gills to obtain oxygen from water, just as other fish do. Water enters their mouth and travels to the gills on both sides of the body. Oxygen passes from the water into the gill tissue and then enters blood vessels. The water leaves the gills through the opening behind the operculum the bony flap that covers each gill chamber. To breathe in air, the fish use a space in their head above their gills called the suprabranchial chamber or the suprabranchial organ. Air that the fish gulps from the water surface enters the suprabranchial chamber. Here oxygen from the air passes into blood vessels in the tissue lining the chamber. The suprabranchial chamber of a snakehead is quite similar to the labyrinth organ found in some other air-breathing fish. Examples of labyrinth fish include the , the climbing perch, and many types of . George Chemilevsky, via Wikimedia Commons, public domain image. The giant snakehead C hanna micropeltes lives in freshwater, like other snakeheads. Living up to its name, it may reach more than 3. The fish is quite variable in appearance. It has a dark grey, blue-black, or black background color with white, silver, or blue-green markings. The undersurface of the fish is much lighter in color than the rest of the fish. The giant snakehead is also known as the red snakehead. This name comes from the color of the young fish, or fry. In some parts of the world, fisherman refer to the giant snakehead as a toman. It's a popular prey in sport fishing and is also enjoyed as an edible fish in some countries. The fish has a reputation as a fearsome and even vicious predator. Its diet consists mainly of other fish, but it also eats frogs, , and even birds. It reportedly kills more animals than it eats. Giant snakeheads create a nest by clearing a cylindrical area in the middle of aquatic vegetation. When the eggs are laid, they rise to the top of the water column and are carefully guarded by the adults. The parents also guard the fry, which helps the youngsters to survive. A fry of the giant snakehead; the young fish is about two weeks old. Although they are classified in the same genus, the Channa argus and the giant snakehead look quite different from one another. The northern snakehead is an attractive animal that has a tan, brown, grey, or grey-green background color decorated with darker blotches and stripes. The body is torpedo-shaped, and the top of the head is noticeably flattened. The lower jaw of the fish protrudes beyond its upper jaw. The northern snakehead is native to , Korea, and and has spread to other areas of . It lives in areas where the water is muddy and is flowing slowly or is stagnant. It feeds mainly on other fish but also eats crustaceans and insects. Like the giant snakehead, it's often described as "ferocious". The species is an obligate air breather—it must breathe air as well as absorb oxygen through its gills in order to survive. There is some debate about how capable the fish is at moving over land. There are claims that it can travel on land and survive for three or four days out of water, provided it stays moist, just like a giant snakehead. Many researchers say that it can't move far when it leaves the water and that under normal circumstances it can survive for only a few hours in air, however. There is still a lot to learn about the life history and reproduction of the northern snakehead. Understanding the fish's habits is essential in order to control its population when it becomes invasive. In , a northern snakehead nest was discovered in the in the United States. The nest was a cylindrical column of water surrounded by an aquatic plant called Hydrilla. A circular mat of Hydrilla formed a canopy or roof on top of the nest. Orange-yellow eggs had been laid on the canopy. The eggs weren't adhesive and were held in place and hidden by the plant leaves and stems. The adults—both the male and the female—patrolled the water underneath the canopy. Northern snakehead nests have been found in other areas, too. They have all been cylindrical nests surrounded by vegetation and have been about one meter in diameter. These nests have lacked a canopy, however. The fish have a high fecundity and lay 22, to , eggs at a time. They breed up to five times a year. Although some of the eggs and fry die, parental care likely improves reproductive success compared to the situation in fish that don't guard their young. Wild snakeheads, including giant snakeheads, are sighted periodically in various parts of North America. In at least three areas, snakeheads have formed a resident population and are reproducing. The northern snakehead is found in the Potomac River and its tributaries in the state of . The bullseye snakehead has established itself in part of . The adults of this species frequently have red eyes and a black spot surrounded by orange at the base of their tail fin. The Channa maculata lives in Hawaii and is quite similar in appearance to the northern snakehead. Snakeheads are thought to have entered the wild when they were released from home aquariums, perhaps when they grew too large or too expensive to keep. They may also have been released into ponds by fish sellers or other people who hoped that the animals would reproduce to produce a convenient and free source of edible fish. The northern snakehead has established itself firmly in the Potomac River system, with a population estimated at somewhere above 21, individuals, ranging through more than river miles kilometers. I live in . In , a snakehead fish was found living in a pond located in in Burnaby, BC, not far from my home. The fish is shown in the video below. It was caught when the pond was partially drained. There were concerns that the fish was a northern snakehead, which would have been capable of living through a southwestern BC winter. In November , however, the fish was identified as a blotched snakehead. This species would be unlikely to survive through the local winter, which although mild in terms of Canadian winters is much colder than the climate in the snakehead's native habitat. If the fish had survived and reproduced, native fish may have been eaten and their populations harmed. Researchers said that there was no evidence that the animal had reproduced, however. They also said that it likely survived by eating other non-native species placed in the pond, such as goldfish and fathead minnows. No more wild snakeheads have been discovered in the province since the discovery, to the relief of many British Columbians, including me. The presence of wild snakeheads in North America worries some conservation officers and officials very much. The fish have no natural predators. There is talk of horrible scenarios such as native animal species being wiped out by the fish. Snakeheads may not only prey on native animals but also pass parasites to them. The presence of any —especially a predator—must always be taken seriously. Snakeheads definitely have the potential to create an environmental problem. The areas that they have invaded need to be monitored closely. It may only be a matter of time before serious effects are noticed due to the presence of the fish. At the moment, though, it's not clear how much damage snakeheads are causing to their ecosystem and how significant or widespread any damage is. In Maryland, officials have enlisted the aid of the public in the effort to control the northern snakehead population. They are advertising the tastiness of the animal's flesh to encourage fishing and are holding sports fishing competitions. In general, snakeheads aren't dangerous to humans. The only times they may show aggression towards us is when they're disturbed while they're protecting their eggs or young and when they're caught. There have been reports of quite serious injuries caused by giant snakehead bites in these situations. Single snakehead fish are generally quickly removed by authorities once they're discovered. Once reproduction has occurred and a population has formed, however, removing the fish is difficult or even impossible, especially when the population is distributed over a wide area. As some people have said, the snakeheads in the Potomac River system are likely here to stay,. The outcome of the snakehead presence is unknown. Will the dire predictions of conservationists come true? Will we be able to avoid these consequences if we keep the snakehead population under control? Are we overreacting to the presence of snakeheads, as a few people have suggested, or are they actually as dangerous for the environment as many scientists say? These questions can't be answered yet. It may take years to find the answers, which is why caution is needed in the present. Answer: The labyrinth organ is located above the gills. It contains bony plates that are covered with a thin membrane that contains blood vessels. The blood absorbs oxygen from the air that the fish gulps from the surface of the water. In my location British Columbia in Canada it no longer is. You will have to contact your local authorities to check the law where you live. Question: My friend was part of the team that drained the lake. People complained and no native species were found at all in the lake, l believe. Technical Announcements. Employees in the News. Emergency Management. Survey Manual. Snakeheads are air-breathing freshwater fishes that are not native to North America. In scientific terms, snakeheads are divided into two distinct genera:. In the summer of and again in late spring , Channa argus , the northern snakehead, generated national media attention when anglers caught this fish in a pond in Maryland and, more recently, in the Potomac River in Maryland and . Fisheries scientists consider snakeheads to be invasive species because they have the potential to threaten native fishes, the recreational fishing industry, and aquatic ecosystems. A mature northern snakehead female can carry as many as 50, 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 hours. The U. The initiative to maintain Snakeheads family Channidae are airbreathing freshwater fishes containing two genera, Channa with 26 species native to Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia; and Parachanna with 3 species native to tropical Africa. Some snakeheads are small, reaching about 17 centimeters, but most are much larger, the largest reported to be 1. All are Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and his son, Dan, netted pounds of wriggling whitefish. The mild-flavored salmon relative is served in restaurants, in smoked fish spreads, and as gefilte fish at Passover. When a moving barge encounters small fish in the Illinois Waterway there is a possibility that the fish will become trapped in the gap between barges, according to a new study by the U. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U. Geological Survey. The invasive northern snakehead fish found in the mid-Atlantic area is now cause for more concern, potentially bringing diseases into the region that may spread to native fish and wildlife, according to a team of U. Geological Survey scientists. Geological Survey announced today. Geological Survey fisheries biologists in Gainesville, Fla. Want to know how many new species have been found in your state in the past six months, or where the latest sighting of snakeheads occurred? Virginia unit researchers study seasonal movement, dispersal, and home range of invasive Northern Snakehead Channa argus. Scientists also research growth and reproductive behavior in a newly established population of northern snakehead. Snakehead fish are originally from China and Korea, but recently they've been found in Maryland, Virginia, , , and Florida. Northern snakehead Channa argus is an aquatic invasive species in the mid-Atlantic region and elsewhere. Skip to main content. Search Search. Biology and Ecosystems. In scientific terms, snakeheads are divided into two distinct genera: Channa snakeheads of Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia Parachanna African snakeheads In the summer of and again in late spring , Channa argus , the northern snakehead, generated national media attention when anglers caught this fish in a pond in Maryland and, more recently, in the Potomac River in Maryland and Virginia. Apply Filter. What is the Federal Government doing about snakehead fish? Two agencies within the Department of the Interior DOI are responsible for researching and regulating snakeheads: the U. As the research arm of the DOI, the USGS has conducted extensive, worldwide research on snakeheads that provides a basis for regulating the importation Where do snakeheads live? 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. What are the potential effects of snakeheads to our waters? During all of their life stages, snakehead fish compete with native species for food and habitat. A major concern is that snakeheads might out-compete and eventually displace important native or other established predatory fish that share the same habitat. As adults, snakeheads can be voracious predators. Should snakeheads become established in What should be done with a captured snakehead fish? 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 Can snakeheads still be purchased for food purposes? Dead snakehead fish--on ice or frozen--can be imported for food purposes to any state except those where importation or possession of dead snakeheads is illegal. Live snakeheads of one species that are being cultured in Hawaii but not exported to the United States mainland are available in one market in Honolulu. Hawaii regulations require that How did snakehead fish get into the United States? Northern Snakehead

Northern Snakeheads can be confused with native Pennsylvania species like the and Burbot. One way of identifying Bowfin from Snakeheads is to view the tops of their heads. Bowfin have no scales on their head; Snakeheads have scales on their head with a scale pattern that is more interlocked or mosaic-like in its pattern—similar to a snake. Burbots have a single barbel whisker on the chin and the presence of two dorsal fins. Neither Bowfin or Snakeheads have these characteristics. For help telling them apart, view one of the following identification guides:. Bowfin are most commonly found in Lake Erie and western Pennsylvania waters, but are infrequently caught by anglers in the Delaware River and Estuary, and Schuylkill River. Bowfin are listed as a "candidate species" , which means that anglers are strongly encouraged to return any fish caught to the waters from which they were taken. Even though Burbot are found in several streams in the Allegheny River watershed, they are rarely abundant at any given location. Burbot are listed as an "endangered species" for inland waters, which means if caught in these waters they must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. The catching, taking, killing, possessing, importing to or exporting from Pennsylvania, selling, offering for sale or purchasing of any individual of these species, alive or dead, or any part thereof is prohibited. I've never eaten the fish, but they are said to have a mild taste. Answer: Snakehead fish belong to the class ray-finned fish and the family Channidae. The family contains two genera: Channa, which is found in Asia, and Parachanna, which is found in Africa. The family belongs to the order . The species in this order are freshwater fish. Two examples are the giant goramy and the climbing perch testudineus , which are both native to Asia. You always write such excellent and informative articles, as I have noticed. Great work Hi, Peg. Yes, I can see why the term "creepy" could be applied to snakehead fish! They are interesting animals, though. Thank you very much for the comment. Enjoyed learning more about these snakehead fish and their origins. They're really creepy. I'm not sure I'd want to eat them. The pictures are interesting and the fact that they can breathe air is really strange, sort of like some evolutionary missing link. Hi, ologsinquito. Yes, predatory fish that can migrate over land could be a big problem! Thanks for the visit. I hope these fish can't get very far on land, because it would make it more difficult to contain them in one body of water. They sound almost like invasive monsters. Hi, Deb. It is very interesting that snakeheads can breathe air and move on land. They do seem a little like mammals, even though they are really fish! They aren't known to hunt on land, but they could certainly pose a danger for animals that live in or on the water. Seems to me if these snakeheads are invasive, then they could well be detrimental to the well-being of other fish. Since they are part mammalian, that makes them even more dangerous, as they can harm both water and land species. Hi, Christy. Thanks for the comment! The Burnaby snakehead was killed and preserved. It's at the B. Museum in Victoria now, but I don't know if it's on display yet. I had no idea that snakeheads could breathe air - your description of that was interesting. I like that you brought in the local BC element too. I'm only a few hours from Burnaby so I will have to check the snakehead there out soon! Thank you very much for the comment, Dianna. I hope that the authorities in Florida are on top of the situation, too! I see from your post that we have them here in Florida and hope that the authorities are on top of this invasion. I don't know how you do it, but you have shared another new topic with great interest! Hi, drbj. Thanks for the comment. I can understand why you don't want to meet a snakehead! They are amazing, but they do have their drawbacks! Amazing creatures, Alicia, but I don't want to encounter them in person either on land or in the sea. Thanks for all this fascinating information. Hi, Crafty. Yes, it does seem like a good deal although I don't know how much the fishing licences cost! Hi, vespawoolf. I hope very much that the snakehead population is kept under control, too. The presence of invasive species in the environment is a big concern. That is so interesting. I would think more people would take advantage of fishing for them. It's sort of like free food in a way if they are that plentiful and just the cost of a fishing license and open airtime outdoors. How sad that another non-native species has interrupted the natural balance of things. How interesting that it can breathe oxygen and it does sound like a voracious predator. I hope something can be done to check their population. Thank you for sharing. This was a very interesting and quite in-depth hub of the snakehead. I enjoy reading about different animals, fish and birds, and enjoyed ths very much. We don't have snakeheads in Australia, but do have an air breathing fish, "the lung fish", however it is endangered and isn't as ferocious as the snakeheads. This is really a very interesting hub. I can't say the snakehead is exactly attractive, but he is certainly an interesting creature. Thanks for providing a little education for us on an unusual creature. Hi, Writer Fox. Yes, it is fascinating that some fish can breathe in air. Snakeheads are interesting fish, but I don't want them in my local waterways! Thanks for the vote. It's amazing that this fish can survive out of the water. From your article it does seem like this species is one you wouldn't want in your favorite fishing hole! Voted up! Snakehead Fish - Invasive and Voracious Predators has a lovely photos and an interesting video with fascinating facts voted up, interesting useful and awesome. Thank you very much for the comment, the vote and the share, Bill. Yes, these fish are both fascinating and scary at the same time! It will be interesting to see what the future holds for them in North America. Oh my, invasion of the Snake Heads. Had not heard of this species, very interesting and a little scary. Great job Linda, lots of interesting information on this species. Voted up, shared, etc Hi, Bill. You've described the attitude that many people have towards snakeheads beautifully! They are worrying but interesting fish. Nasty little buggers, aren't they? My goodness, I'm sure glad I don't swim where they are. Larger species, such as C. In the United States, chefs have suggested controlling the snakehead invasion by serving them in restaurants. The snakeheads comprise three extant genera:. The genus Aenigmachanna was initially classified in Channidae upon its discovery, but analysis supports it being reclassified into its own family Aenigmachannidae. After its release in non-native North American waters, either accidentally or intentionally, the aggressive and predator-free snakehead's reputation as a "Frankenfish" [17] or "monster fish" has become part of the culture [18] Besides mentions on TV shows such as The Sopranos [19] and The Office [20] and CSI:NY episode "Sangre por Sangre" and Central Park episode "A Fish Called Snakehead", the snakehead has been featured in three Sci-fi Channel original pictures entitled Snakehead Terror , Frankenfish , and Swarm of the Snakehead. With the help of a snakehead researcher, however, Wade shows that although it is capable of living outside of water and is able to move on land, its weak pectoral muscles make movement difficult and render the snakehead an unlikely "stalker" on land. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Family of fishes. For other uses, see Snakehead. Temporal range: Eocene to recent, Labyrinth Fish. Barron's Educational Series, Inc. Species of Channa in FishBase. June version. Journal of Paleontology. Contributions from the Museum of Paleontology. NGC Blog. National Geographic Channel. Archived from the original on Video clip titled: "The Northern Snakehead fish wreaks havoc". Snakehead Fish: Invasive Predators in North America - Owlcation - Education

For more information on Northern Snakeheads in Pennsylvania, including an identification guide, visit the PFBC snakehead resource page. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division confirmed someone found a northern snakehead in early October in a pond on private property in Gwinnett County, marking the first time the invasive fish has been found in the state. Fishermen who find a northern snakehead should take pictures, note where it was caught and then report it. The section below contains highly relevant resources for this species, organized by source. Or, to display all related content view all resources for Northern Snakehead. Skip to main content. An official website of the United States government. Here's how you know. View all resources. Scientific Name:. Channa argus ITIS. Common Name:. Native To:. Date of U. Means of Introduction:. Released from fish markets NAS Database. Preys on and competes with native species NAS Database. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Wildlife Resources Division. Wetland and Aquatic Research Center. Provides detailed collection information as well as animated map. Injurious Wildlife. Fish and Aquatic Conservation. Includes species listed as injurious wildlife under the Federal Lacey Act 18 USC 42 , which makes it illegal to import injurious wildlife into the United States or transport between the listed jurisdictions in the shipment clause the continental United States, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any possession of the United States without a permit. An injurious wildlife listing would not prohibit intrastate transport or possession of that species within a State where those activities are not prohibited by the State. Injurious wildlife are wild mammals, wild birds, , reptiles, fishes, crustaceans, mollusks and their offspring or eggs that are injurious to the interests of human beings, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, wildlife or wildlife resources of the U. Plants and organisms other than those stated above cannot be listed as injurious wildlife. Google Images - Northern Snakehead. University of Georgia. Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. YouTube - Invasion of the Snakeheads. YouTube; National Geographic. YouTube - Northern Snakehead. Priority Species: Northern Snakehead. Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. Washington Invasive Species Council. Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. Global Invasive Species Database - Channa argus fish. Species Survival Commission. Invasive Species Specialist Group. Invaders Factsheet: Northern Snakehead. Invasive Species Compendium - Channa argus argus. No more wild snakeheads have been discovered in the province since the discovery, to the relief of many British Columbians, including me. The presence of wild snakeheads in North America worries some conservation officers and officials very much. The fish have no natural predators. There is talk of horrible scenarios such as native animal species being wiped out by the fish. Snakeheads may not only prey on native animals but also pass parasites to them. The presence of any invasive species—especially a predator—must always be taken seriously. Snakeheads definitely have the potential to create an environmental problem. The areas that they have invaded need to be monitored closely. It may only be a matter of time before serious effects are noticed due to the presence of the fish. At the moment, though, it's not clear how much damage snakeheads are causing to their ecosystem and how significant or widespread any damage is. In Maryland, officials have enlisted the aid of the public in the effort to control the northern snakehead population. They are advertising the tastiness of the animal's flesh to encourage fishing and are holding sports fishing competitions. In general, snakeheads aren't dangerous to humans. The only times they may show aggression towards us is when they're disturbed while they're protecting their eggs or young and when they're caught. There have been reports of quite serious injuries caused by giant snakehead bites in these situations. Single snakehead fish are generally quickly removed by authorities once they're discovered. Once reproduction has occurred and a population has formed, however, removing the fish is difficult or even impossible, especially when the population is distributed over a wide area. As some people have said, the snakeheads in the Potomac River system are likely here to stay,. The outcome of the snakehead presence is unknown. Will the dire predictions of conservationists come true? Will we be able to avoid these consequences if we keep the snakehead population under control? Are we overreacting to the presence of snakeheads, as a few people have suggested, or are they actually as dangerous for the environment as many scientists say? These questions can't be answered yet. It may take years to find the answers, which is why caution is needed in the present. Answer: The labyrinth organ is located above the gills. It contains bony plates that are covered with a thin membrane that contains blood vessels. The blood absorbs oxygen from the air that the fish gulps from the surface of the water. In my location British Columbia in Canada it no longer is. You will have to contact your local authorities to check the law where you live. Question: My friend was part of the team that drained the lake. People complained and no native species were found at all in the lake, l believe. Have more of Snakeheads been found? What are Snakeheads said to taste like? Answer: As far as I know, no more snakeheads have been found in Burnaby. I've never eaten the fish, but they are said to have a mild taste. Answer: Snakehead fish belong to the class Actinopterygii ray-finned fish and the family Channidae. The family contains two genera: Channa, which is found in Asia, and Parachanna, which is found in Africa. The family belongs to the order Anabantiformes. The species in this order are freshwater fish. Two examples are the Osphronemus goramy and the climbing perch , which are both native to Asia. You always write such excellent and informative articles, as I have noticed. Great work Hi, Peg. Yes, I can see why the term "creepy" could be applied to snakehead fish! They are interesting animals, though. Thank you very much for the comment. Enjoyed learning more about these snakehead fish and their origins. They're really creepy. I'm not sure I'd want to eat them. The pictures are interesting and the fact that they can breathe air is really strange, sort of like some evolutionary missing link. Hi, ologsinquito. Yes, predatory fish that can migrate over land could be a big problem! Thanks for the visit. I hope these fish can't get very far on land, because it would make it more difficult to contain them in one body of water. They sound almost like invasive monsters. Hi, Deb. It is very interesting that snakeheads can breathe air and move on land. They do seem a little like mammals, even though they are really fish! They aren't known to hunt on land, but they could certainly pose a danger for animals that live in or on the water. Seems to me if these snakeheads are invasive, then they could well be detrimental to the well-being of other fish. Since they are part mammalian, that makes them even more dangerous, as they can harm both water and land species. Hi, Christy. Thanks for the comment! The Burnaby snakehead was killed and preserved. It's at the B. Museum in Victoria now, but I don't know if it's on display yet. I had no idea that snakeheads could breathe air - your description of that was interesting. I like that you brought in the local BC element too. I'm only a few hours from Burnaby so I will have to check the snakehead there out soon! Thank you very much for the comment, Dianna. I hope that the authorities in Florida are on top of the situation, too! I see from your post that we have them here in Florida and hope that the authorities are on top of this invasion. I don't know how you do it, but you have shared another new topic with great interest! Hi, drbj. Thanks for the comment. I can understand why you don't want to meet a snakehead! They are amazing, but they do have their drawbacks! Amazing creatures, Alicia, but I don't want to encounter them in person either on land or in the sea. Thanks for all this fascinating information. Hi, Crafty. Yes, it does seem like a good deal although I don't know how much the fishing licences cost! Hi, vespawoolf. I hope very much that the snakehead population is kept under control, too. The presence of invasive species in the environment is a big concern. That is so interesting. I would think more people would take advantage of fishing for them. It's sort of like free food in a way if they are that plentiful and just the cost of a fishing license and open airtime outdoors. How sad that another non-native species has interrupted the natural balance of things. How interesting that it can breathe oxygen and it does sound like a voracious predator. I hope something can be done to check their population. Thank you for sharing. This was a very interesting and quite in-depth hub of the snakehead. I enjoy reading about different animals, fish and birds, and enjoyed ths very much. We don't have snakeheads in Australia, but do have an air breathing fish, "the lung fish", however it is endangered and isn't as ferocious as the snakeheads. This is really a very interesting hub. I can't say the snakehead is exactly attractive, but he is certainly an interesting creature. Thanks for providing a little education for us on an unusual creature. Hi, Writer Fox. Yes, it is fascinating that some fish can breathe in air. Snakeheads are interesting fish, but I don't want them in my local waterways! Thanks for the vote. It's amazing that this fish can survive out of the water. From your article it does seem like this species is one you wouldn't want in your favorite fishing hole! Voted up! Snakehead Fish - Invasive and Voracious Predators has a lovely photos and an interesting video with fascinating facts voted up, interesting useful and awesome. Thank you very much for the comment, the vote and the share, Bill. Yes, these fish are both fascinating and scary at the same time! It will be interesting to see what the future holds for them in North America. Oh my, invasion of the Snake Heads. Had not heard of this species, very interesting and a little scary. Great job Linda, lots of interesting information on this species. Voted up, shared, etc Hi, Bill. You've described the attitude that many people have towards snakeheads beautifully! They are worrying but interesting fish. Nasty little buggers, aren't they? My goodness, I'm sure glad I don't swim where they are. I'd keep hearing the theme music from "Jaws" and worrying about being devoured. Hi, Rebecca. Yes, the world of nature - including snakeheads - is certainly fascinating! Thank you very much for the comment, the vote and the share, Faith, especially so soon after I published the hub! Yes, the potential effects of snakeheads are scary. Decimation of a native species is a worst-case scenario. Hopefully this won't happen. Time will tell!

Northern Snakehead | National Invasive Species Information Center

Giant snakeheads create a nest by clearing a cylindrical area in the middle of aquatic vegetation. When the eggs are laid, they rise to the top of the water column and are carefully guarded by the adults. The parents also guard the fry, which helps the youngsters to survive. A fry of the giant snakehead; the young fish is about two weeks old. Although they are classified in the same genus, the Northern Snakehead Channa argus and the giant snakehead look quite different from one another. The northern snakehead is an attractive animal that has a tan, brown, grey, or grey-green background color decorated with darker blotches and stripes. The body is torpedo-shaped, and the top of the head is noticeably flattened. The lower jaw of the fish protrudes beyond its upper jaw. The northern snakehead is native to China, Korea, and Russia and has spread to other areas of Southeast Asia. It lives in areas where the water is muddy and is flowing slowly or is stagnant. It feeds mainly on other fish but also eats crustaceans and insects. Like the giant snakehead, it's often described as "ferocious". The species is an obligate air breather—it must breathe air as well as absorb oxygen through its gills in order to survive. There is some debate about how capable the fish is at moving over land. There are claims that it can travel on land and survive for three or four days out of water, provided it stays moist, just like a giant snakehead. Many researchers say that it can't move far when it leaves the water and that under normal circumstances it can survive for only a few hours in air, however. There is still a lot to learn about the life history and reproduction of the northern snakehead. Understanding the fish's habits is essential in order to control its population when it becomes invasive. In , a northern snakehead nest was discovered in the Potomac River in the United States. The nest was a cylindrical column of water surrounded by an aquatic plant called Hydrilla. A circular mat of Hydrilla formed a canopy or roof on top of the nest. Orange-yellow eggs had been laid on the canopy. The eggs weren't adhesive and were held in place and hidden by the plant leaves and stems. The adults—both the male and the female—patrolled the water underneath the canopy. Northern snakehead nests have been found in other areas, too. They have all been cylindrical nests surrounded by vegetation and have been about one meter in diameter. These nests have lacked a canopy, however. The fish have a high fecundity and lay 22, to , eggs at a time. They breed up to five times a year. Although some of the eggs and fry die, parental care likely improves reproductive success compared to the situation in fish that don't guard their young. Wild snakeheads, including giant snakeheads, are sighted periodically in various parts of North America. In at least three areas, snakeheads have formed a resident population and are reproducing. The northern snakehead is found in the Potomac River and its tributaries in the state of Maryland. The bullseye snakehead Channa marulius has established itself in part of Florida. The adults of this species frequently have red eyes and a black spot surrounded by orange at the base of their tail fin. The blotched snakehead Channa maculata lives in Hawaii and is quite similar in appearance to the northern snakehead. Snakeheads are thought to have entered the wild when they were released from home aquariums, perhaps when they grew too large or too expensive to keep. They may also have been released into ponds by fish sellers or other people who hoped that the animals would reproduce to produce a convenient and free source of edible fish. The northern snakehead has established itself firmly in the Potomac River system, with a population estimated at somewhere above 21, individuals, ranging through more than river miles kilometers. I live in British Columbia. In , a snakehead fish was found living in a pond located in Central Park in Burnaby, BC, not far from my home. The fish is shown in the video below. It was caught when the pond was partially drained. There were concerns that the fish was a northern snakehead, which would have been capable of living through a southwestern BC winter. In November , however, the fish was identified as a blotched snakehead. This species would be unlikely to survive through the local winter, which although mild in terms of Canadian winters is much colder than the climate in the snakehead's native habitat. If the fish had survived and reproduced, native fish may have been eaten and their populations harmed. Researchers said that there was no evidence that the animal had reproduced, however. They also said that it likely survived by eating other non-native species placed in the pond, such as goldfish and fathead minnows. No more wild snakeheads have been discovered in the province since the discovery, to the relief of many British Columbians, including me. The presence of wild snakeheads in North America worries some conservation officers and officials very much. The fish have no natural predators. There is talk of horrible scenarios such as native animal species being wiped out by the fish. Snakeheads may not only prey on native animals but also pass parasites to them. The presence of any invasive species—especially a predator—must always be taken seriously. Snakeheads definitely have the potential to create an environmental problem. The areas that they have invaded need to be monitored closely. It may only be a matter of time before serious effects are noticed due to the presence of the fish. At the moment, though, it's not clear how much damage snakeheads are causing to their ecosystem and how significant or widespread any damage is. In Maryland, officials have enlisted the aid of the public in the effort to control the northern snakehead population. They are advertising the tastiness of the animal's flesh to encourage fishing and are holding sports fishing competitions. In general, snakeheads aren't dangerous to humans. The only times they may show aggression towards us is when they're disturbed while they're protecting their eggs or young and when they're caught. There have been reports of quite serious injuries caused by giant snakehead bites in these situations. Single snakehead fish are generally quickly removed by authorities once they're discovered. Once reproduction has occurred and a population has formed, however, removing the fish is difficult or even impossible, especially when the population is distributed over a wide area. As some people have said, the snakeheads in the Potomac River system are likely here to stay,. The outcome of the snakehead presence is unknown. Will the dire predictions of conservationists come true? Will we be able to avoid these consequences if we keep the snakehead population under control? Are we overreacting to the presence of snakeheads, as a few people have suggested, or are they actually as dangerous for the environment as many scientists say? These questions can't be answered yet. It may take years to find the answers, which is why caution is needed in the present. Answer: The labyrinth organ is located above the gills. It contains bony plates that are covered with a thin membrane that contains blood vessels. The blood absorbs oxygen from the air that the fish gulps from the surface of the water. In my location British Columbia in Canada it no longer is. You will have to contact your local authorities to check the law where you live. Question: My friend was part of the team that drained the lake. People complained and no native species were found at all in the lake, l believe. Have more of Snakeheads been found? What are Snakeheads said to taste like? Answer: As far as I know, no more snakeheads have been found in Burnaby. I've never eaten the fish, but they are said to have a mild taste. Answer: Snakehead fish belong to the class Actinopterygii ray-finned fish and the family Channidae. The family contains two genera: Channa, which is found in Asia, and Parachanna, which is found in Africa. The family belongs to the order Anabantiformes. The species in this order are freshwater fish. Two examples are the giant gourami Osphronemus goramy and the climbing perch Anabas testudineus , which are both native to Asia. You always write such excellent and informative articles, as I have noticed. Great work Hi, Peg. Yes, I can see why the term "creepy" could be applied to snakehead fish! They are interesting animals, though. Thank you very much for the comment. Enjoyed learning more about these snakehead fish and their origins. They're really creepy. I'm not sure I'd want to eat them. The pictures are interesting and the fact that they can breathe air is really strange, sort of like some evolutionary missing link. Hi, ologsinquito. Yes, predatory fish that can migrate over land could be a big problem! Thanks for the visit. I hope these fish can't get very far on land, because it would make it more difficult to contain them in one body of water. They sound almost like invasive monsters. Hi, Deb. It is very interesting that snakeheads can breathe air and move on land. They do seem a little like mammals, even though they are really fish! They aren't known to hunt on land, but they could certainly pose a danger for animals that live in or on the water. Seems to me if these snakeheads are invasive, then they could well be detrimental to the well-being of other fish. Since they are part mammalian, that makes them even more dangerous, as they can harm both water and land species. Hi, Christy. Thanks for the comment! The Burnaby snakehead was killed and preserved. It's at the B. Museum in Victoria now, but I don't know if it's on display yet. I had no idea that snakeheads could breathe air - your description of that was interesting. I like that you brought in the local BC element too. I'm only a few hours from Burnaby so I will have to check the snakehead there out soon! Thank you very much for the comment, Dianna. I hope that the authorities in Florida are on top of the situation, too! I see from your post that we have them here in Florida and hope that the authorities are on top of this invasion. I don't know how you do it, but you have shared another new topic with great interest! Hi, drbj. Thanks for the comment. I can understand why you don't want to meet a snakehead! They are predatory fish distinguished by their long dorsal fins, large mouths, and shiny teeth. The fish descend from an ancient gondwanan lineage that survived the break-up of the supercontinent and the northward drift of the Indian subcontinent about million years ago. The fish, which dwell in the dark groundwaters, remained isolated from the rest of the world, which is why their behaviour and characteristics did not evolve much over these hundred million years. Also read: Why you should not order the Basa fish at Indian restaurants. Two specimens of the fish were discovered accidentally about two years ago. A local enthusiast in found them in the paddy fields of Kerala, shortly after they were flooded during the devastating August deluge. Having never seen such fish before, the person shared pictures of it on social media, following which Rajeev Raghavan, assistant professor at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, first spotted it. Raghavan is one of the authors of the study. Such species are found either when people empty their wells in the summer in preparation for the rainy season or when individual fish get into taps that are used to source groundwater. However, high-resolution CT scans of the fish revealed that Aenigmachanna has a large number of primitive characters. Further genetic analysis of the fish suggested that the family was separated from the Channidae family between 34 and million years ago, said the study. Many of these species are blind, pigment-less, and have peculiar morphological characters that are otherwise not seen in species found in surface waters. Around 10 such enigmatic species of subterranean fish have been discovered in Kerala in recent times. However, such subterranean ecosystems are under high levels of threat due to indiscriminate ground water extraction and pollution, and introduction of alien species in the dugout wells, Neelesh Dahanukar, research scientist at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, who co-authored the study, said in a statement. The team knows very little about the behaviour of the fish — what they prey on, for example — since it is difficult to monitor life under the surface of Earth. India needs free, fair, non-hyphenated and questioning journalism even more as it faces multiple crises. But the news media is in a crisis of its own. There have been brutal layoffs and pay-cuts.

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