The Snakehead of Asia
An Invasive Species in North American Waters
The Snakehead, which is a freshwater fish native to China and Africa, belong to the Channidae fish family. The species found in China are called Channa whereas the species found in Africa are known as Parachanna. Some of the larger species are farmed as food fish in aquaculture.
The best known species are the Northern Snakehead (Channa argus) and the Giant Snakehead (Channa micropeltes).
Snakehead Traits
These fish have a small head with large scales on top and a long dorsal fin. They have a large mouth and teeth. They are aggressive and predatory and have been known to kill rats in addition to any other fish they encounter.
Like the Walking Catfish, Snakeheads need to breathe air outside of the water and have a primitive lung above their gills which allows them to do this. Snakeheads can live out of water as long as their skin is wet. They move along land using a back and forth motion of their fins and bodies.
Snakeheads have this characteristic due to surviving in drought and monsoon conditions in Asia.
Dwarf Snakeheads are usually around 10 inches long but most Snakeheads grow to two or three feet in length. The giant species can reach a length of at least three feet or more.
Due to the predatory nature of Snakeheads outside of their environment in Asia, the possession of Snakeheads has been banned in several countries and in 13 states in the U.S. They are capable of wiping out an entire native fish population because they have no natural enemies.
Live Snakeheads can be purchased at food markets in some areas. Some fish have been able to escape their captors and take refuge in local waters.
Snakeheads in Aquariums
In areas where Snakeheads are allowed to be kept as pets, it still is not a good idea to have them in an aquarium. Like any fish, they are passive when babies but it doesn’t take long for them to grow.
They are very aggressive and do not like to be in an enclosed area, such as a tank. They will try to escape by charging at the aquarium wall and breaking the glass. They are also known to jump out of aquariums.
Snakeheads in Local Waters
Many disappointed Snakehead owners release the fish into local waters and this starts the upset of the ecological balance of lakes and rivers by Snakeheads killing all the livestock.
The female Snakehead is a prolific breeder and can release up to 15,000 eggs in one spawn. Considering the fact that Snakeheads mate at least four times a year, there is the capability of one fish releasing 60,000 per year. With no natural enemies, the survival rate of Snakeheads is very high.
If a person happens to catch a Snakehead, it should not be released back into the water. It is difficult to remove a Snakehead from a fishing line because they have very strong jaws and razor-sharp teeth. Caution must be exercised.
Some countries had introduced Snakeheads to their waters as food fish without knowing the full impact of their decision. They are now regretting it.
Northern Snakehead
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