The northern snakehead is extremely adaptable to various climates including cold waters, and like all snakeheads, breeds easily. Small numbers of fish have been found in several other states. They are able to breathe air and are said to migrate across wet and dry areas of land. Adaptability, carnivorous appetitive, lack of natural enemies and ability to transverse land, makes the northern snakehead a real threat to U.S. waterways and indigenous species of fish and amphibians . First, let’s look at a little biology regarding the snakehead. A Snakehead is any of a number of different species in the Channidae family.

This is where the northern snakehead, though it is an invasive species, could be of benefit instead of being cursed as a fish that will destroy the environment. Fish & Wildlife Service Background The recent discovery of northern snakehead in Maryland captured the attention of local, regional, and national leaders. The nature and habits of the snakehead lend themselves well to the waters I have described.

Recognizing Northern Snakehead U.S. No, the Northern Snakehead isn’t a snake- it’s a fish. The snakehead has been dubbed a “frankenfish” because of its reptile-like behaviour, aggressive eating habits and mouthful of long, sharp teeth. You can recognize these fish by their elongated bodies and long, snake-like heads. In the United States, the fish is considered to be a highly invasive species. The Snakehead is a freshwater fish that is native to Africa and Asia. In Europe, the first report of the species was from Czechoslovakia in 1956. They are called a snakehead because of their snake like teeth. It can live for up to three days out of water. Read on to learn about the Snakehead. Many species of snakehead have been sold through the aquarium industry in pet stores and via the Internet. It’s been six months since North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina alerted residents in October 2019 of a bizarre, invasive (and predatory) fish with the ability to survive for days on land.

(Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program) It is a predatory fish with a long body and dorsal fin. The northern snakehead (Channa argus) is a species of snakehead fish native to China, Russia, North Korea, and South Korea, ranging from the Amur River to Hainan.

It has been introduced to other regions, where it is considered invasive. Above, a northern snakehead is on exhibit at the Aquatic Resources Education Center in Washington, D.C., on March 2, 2019. It’s a freshwater fish that can reach lengths of up to 33 inches, and as the name implies, it’s head and body resemble a snake.

The northern snakehead is a large fish that has a long body with a mottled, snake-like pattern. The Northern Snakehead Is Invading North Carolina And Here’s What You Need To Know. Range. The maximum size a snakehead can grow to is 1 meter. The Northern Snakehead isn’t native to the United States; therefore, it is considered an invasive species. Outside its native range, northern snakeheads have established breeding populations in the states of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York. Researchers recognize over 50 different species in the family, but for our purposes we will focus specifically on the well-known Northern Snakehead.