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Can snakehead fish harm humans?

Most snakehead fish will avoid contact with humans. In captivity, many will actually act shy around people. However, when guarding their eggs or young, they can become aggressive if approached. One species, the giant snakehead (Channa micropeltes) native to southeastern Asia, has been reported to be aggressive toward humans who got too close to their nest. Other snakeheads are not as aggressive toward humans. Caution is always advisable when handling live snakehead, just as for any other large predatory fish with teeth.

Updated Date: July 19, 2024
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