This Predatory Fish Can Grow to a Whopping Three Feet Long

There’s not much that the Northern Snakehead Fish can’t do. It’s an aggressive hunter. Its unique respiratory system lets it survive outside of water for days at a time. It’s also a prolific breeder, capable of doubling its population in less than 15 years. Northern Snakeheads are prized for their meat and even honored for their protective behavior; they are known to risk their own lives to protect their young. Thanks to these capabilities, Northern Snakeheads have spread across the world.

But there are consequences to this spread. Their ability to tolerate harsh conditions and still breed has made Northern Snakeheads an invasive species in many parts of the world. The United States, in particular, has borne the brunt of this invasion. Northern Snakeheads have increased in frequency in parts of the Eastern United States, particularly in the Potomac River and its tributaries, and are disrupting delicate ecosystems in these regions. Let’s learn more about Northern Snakeheads, how they impact non-native habitats, and what to do if you spot some.

Northern Snakehead Characteristics

One look at a Northern Snakehead fish (Channa argus) and you’ll understand its name. It has a big mouth with razor-sharp teeth, and eyes near the top of its head. All Snakehead varieties feature these characteristics, but the Northern Snakehead’s boa constrictor-like markings make its name even more apt.

This fish can grow up to three feet long. They are native to Eurasia, particularly areas ranging from the Amur River in Siberia to Hainan Province in China. Northern Snakeheads prefer areas with plenty of slow-moving, even stagnant water full of mud and aquatic vegetation. They ambush their prey, striking with blinding speed when a potential meal comes near. Northern Snakeheads aren’t picky; they eat almost anything in the water, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of this fish is its respiratory system. Northern Snakeheads are obligate air breathers, meaning they must breathe air to survive. This breathing system helps them live in shallow, low-oxygen waterways that most fish can’t handle. They are among the few fish that can survive in water as hot as 100 degrees Fahrenheit and less than a foot deep. Remarkably, it also allows them to survive outside the water for several days. This, combined with their slimy bodies, allows them to move short distances across land. While this ability to move on land is limited, it’s enough to make them a serious problem for fishermen and ecosystems.

Northern Snakehead Invasion

The Northern Snakehead has been a valuable food source for a long time. In native habitats like China and Korea, Northern Snakeheads produce hundreds of tons of meat each year. This led to exports to increasingly distant places, such as Europe and North America. However, they breed rapidly, survive harsh conditions, and wreak havoc on non-native ecosystems. They began appearing in the United States around the year 2000. A fisherman discovered one in Crofton, Maryland, in 2002. As a considerable threat to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, government officials drained the pond in question and destroyed the invasive fish. However, it was too little, too late. Snakeheads began appearing across the Eastern Seaboard with increasing frequency in the following years.

As voracious hunters, these fish easily outperform native predators. They thrive in harsh conditions and consume almost anything in their path. Recent studies confirm that they can negatively impact native fish populations and disrupt food webs, significantly altering aquatic ecosystems.

What To Do If You Spot One

If you happen to come across a Northern Snakehead in American waterways, remember these important tips:

• They can survive on land, so don’t throw them on the riverbank.
• Kill the fish or keep it on ice for an extended period.
• If you have a camera on hand, photograph the fish to ensure it’s the right species (bowfins are commonly mistaken for Northern Snakeheads).
• Contact your local fish and wildlife agency or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as soon as possible. This helps officials track the spread of invasive species.