Skip to main content

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 North American ecosystems, their predatory behavior could also drastically disrupt food webs and ecological conditions, thus forever changing native aquatic systems by modifying the array of native species.

Related Content

link
Image: Adult Lionfish

What is an invasive species and why are they a problem?

An invasive species is an introduced, nonnative organism (disease, parasite, plant, or animal) that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction and that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or to human health.A few well-known examples include the unintentional introduction of the West Nile virus, chestnut blight, the South American...

link

What is an invasive species and why are they a problem?

An invasive species is an introduced, nonnative organism (disease, parasite, plant, or animal) that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction and that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or to human health.A few well-known examples include the unintentional introduction of the West Nile virus, chestnut blight, the South American...

Learn More
link
Northern snakehead (Channa argus)

Can aquarium hobbyists still possess snakeheads as pets?

In some places, yes, snakehead fish can still be kept as pets, but under several constraints. Specifically, importation and interstate transport of live snakeheads is prohibited. Many states prohibit possession of snakeheads, and several of those states have done so for decades. Aquarists can obtain information about regulations concerning possession of live snakeheads and other prohibited fishes...

link

Can aquarium hobbyists still possess snakeheads as pets?

In some places, yes, snakehead fish can still be kept as pets, but under several constraints. Specifically, importation and interstate transport of live snakeheads is prohibited. Many states prohibit possession of snakeheads, and several of those states have done so for decades. Aquarists can obtain information about regulations concerning possession of live snakeheads and other prohibited fishes...

Learn More
link
Image: Snakehead Fish

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...

link

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...

Learn More
link
Boat electroshocking crew with bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius)

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 all fish must be killed and their gills removed...

link

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 all fish must be killed and their gills removed...

Learn More
link
Two crew holding a bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius)

How did snakehead fish get into the United States?

Prior to being added to the list of injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act in 2002, which banned import and interstate transport without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, snakeheads were sold in pet stores and in live food fish markets and some restaurants in several major U.S. cities, including Boston, New York, and St. Louis. Live specimens have been confiscated by authorities in...

link

How did snakehead fish get into the United States?

Prior to being added to the list of injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act in 2002, which banned import and interstate transport without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, snakeheads were sold in pet stores and in live food fish markets and some restaurants in several major U.S. cities, including Boston, New York, and St. Louis. Live specimens have been confiscated by authorities in...

Learn More
link
Snakehead

What are snakeheads?

Snakeheads are air-breathing freshwater fishes that are not native to North America. In scientific terms, snakeheads are divided into two distinct genera:Channa (snakeheads of Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia)Parachanna (African snakeheads)In the summer of 2002 and again in late spring 2004, Channa argus, the northern snakehead, generated national media attention when anglers caught this fish in a...

link

What are snakeheads?

Snakeheads are air-breathing freshwater fishes that are not native to North America. In scientific terms, snakeheads are divided into two distinct genera:Channa (snakeheads of Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia)Parachanna (African snakeheads)In the summer of 2002 and again in late spring 2004, Channa argus, the northern snakehead, generated national media attention when anglers caught this fish in a...

Learn More
link
Image: Northern Snakehead

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.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). As the research arm of the DOI, the USGS has conducted extensive, worldwide research on snakeheads that provides a basis for regulating the importation and interstate transport of those fish in the United...

link

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.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). As the research arm of the DOI, the USGS has conducted extensive, worldwide research on snakeheads that provides a basis for regulating the importation and interstate transport of those fish in the United...

Learn More
link
Image: Snakehead Fish

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 of snakehead fish can be positively identified...

link

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 of snakehead fish can be positively identified...

Learn More
link

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 2.8-3.8). The northern snakehead and several other species...

link

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 2.8-3.8). The northern snakehead and several other species...

Learn More
Bullseye snakehead, Channa marulius
link
Snakehead
link
Boat electroshocking crew with bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius)
link
Two crew holding a bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius)
link
Bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius)
link
Image: Northern Snakehead
link
Image: Snakehead Fish
link
Image: Snakehead Fish
link
link
Image: Snakehead Fish
link
Northern snakehead (Channa argus)
link

The National Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Program maintains a database that monitors, records, and analyzes sightings of nonindigenous aquatic plant and animal species throughout the United States. The program is based at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center in Gainesville, Florida.The initiative to maintain scientific information on nationwide occurrences of no
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Invasive Species Program --Snakeheads, Aquatic Invaders

Snakeheads (<i>Pisces, Channidae</i>): A biological synopsis and risk assessment

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 1.8 meters in length. All are considered thrust predators with most being pisciv
By
Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
link

A Breakthrough in Controlling Invasive Fish

On a windy July morning on Lake Superior’s Whitefish Bay, fisherman Ralph Wilcox of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and his son, Dan...

Read Article
link

Moving Barges Have Potential to Transport Invasive Fish

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...

Read Article
link

Invasive Northern Snakehead Carries Bacteria as Bad as its Bite

The invasive northern snakehead fish found in the mid-Atlantic area is now cause for more concern, potentially bringing diseases into the region that...

Read Article

Related Content

  • FAQ
    link
    Image: Adult Lionfish

    What is an invasive species and why are they a problem?

    An invasive species is an introduced, nonnative organism (disease, parasite, plant, or animal) that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction and that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or to human health.A few well-known examples include the unintentional introduction of the West Nile virus, chestnut blight, the South American...

    link

    What is an invasive species and why are they a problem?

    An invasive species is an introduced, nonnative organism (disease, parasite, plant, or animal) that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction and that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy, or to human health.A few well-known examples include the unintentional introduction of the West Nile virus, chestnut blight, the South American...

    Learn More
    link
    Northern snakehead (Channa argus)

    Can aquarium hobbyists still possess snakeheads as pets?

    In some places, yes, snakehead fish can still be kept as pets, but under several constraints. Specifically, importation and interstate transport of live snakeheads is prohibited. Many states prohibit possession of snakeheads, and several of those states have done so for decades. Aquarists can obtain information about regulations concerning possession of live snakeheads and other prohibited fishes...

    link

    Can aquarium hobbyists still possess snakeheads as pets?

    In some places, yes, snakehead fish can still be kept as pets, but under several constraints. Specifically, importation and interstate transport of live snakeheads is prohibited. Many states prohibit possession of snakeheads, and several of those states have done so for decades. Aquarists can obtain information about regulations concerning possession of live snakeheads and other prohibited fishes...

    Learn More
    link
    Image: Snakehead Fish

    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...

    link

    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...

    Learn More
    link
    Boat electroshocking crew with bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius)

    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 all fish must be killed and their gills removed...

    link

    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 all fish must be killed and their gills removed...

    Learn More
    link
    Two crew holding a bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius)

    How did snakehead fish get into the United States?

    Prior to being added to the list of injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act in 2002, which banned import and interstate transport without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, snakeheads were sold in pet stores and in live food fish markets and some restaurants in several major U.S. cities, including Boston, New York, and St. Louis. Live specimens have been confiscated by authorities in...

    link

    How did snakehead fish get into the United States?

    Prior to being added to the list of injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act in 2002, which banned import and interstate transport without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, snakeheads were sold in pet stores and in live food fish markets and some restaurants in several major U.S. cities, including Boston, New York, and St. Louis. Live specimens have been confiscated by authorities in...

    Learn More
    link
    Snakehead

    What are snakeheads?

    Snakeheads are air-breathing freshwater fishes that are not native to North America. In scientific terms, snakeheads are divided into two distinct genera:Channa (snakeheads of Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia)Parachanna (African snakeheads)In the summer of 2002 and again in late spring 2004, Channa argus, the northern snakehead, generated national media attention when anglers caught this fish in a...

    link

    What are snakeheads?

    Snakeheads are air-breathing freshwater fishes that are not native to North America. In scientific terms, snakeheads are divided into two distinct genera:Channa (snakeheads of Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia)Parachanna (African snakeheads)In the summer of 2002 and again in late spring 2004, Channa argus, the northern snakehead, generated national media attention when anglers caught this fish in a...

    Learn More
    link
    Image: Northern Snakehead

    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.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). As the research arm of the DOI, the USGS has conducted extensive, worldwide research on snakeheads that provides a basis for regulating the importation and interstate transport of those fish in the United...

    link

    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.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). As the research arm of the DOI, the USGS has conducted extensive, worldwide research on snakeheads that provides a basis for regulating the importation and interstate transport of those fish in the United...

    Learn More
    link
    Image: Snakehead Fish

    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 of snakehead fish can be positively identified...

    link

    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 of snakehead fish can be positively identified...

    Learn More
    link

    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 2.8-3.8). The northern snakehead and several other species...

    link

    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 2.8-3.8). The northern snakehead and several other species...

    Learn More
  • Multimedia
    Bullseye snakehead, Channa marulius
    link
    Snakehead
    link
    Boat electroshocking crew with bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius)
    link
    Two crew holding a bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius)
    link
    Bullseye snakehead (Channa marulius)
    link
    Image: Northern Snakehead
    link
    Image: Snakehead Fish
    link
    Image: Snakehead Fish
    link
    link
    Image: Snakehead Fish
    link
    Northern snakehead (Channa argus)
    link
  • Publications

    The National Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Program maintains a database that monitors, records, and analyzes sightings of nonindigenous aquatic plant and animal species throughout the United States. The program is based at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center in Gainesville, Florida.The initiative to maintain scientific information on nationwide occurrences of no
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

    Invasive Species Program --Snakeheads, Aquatic Invaders

    Snakeheads (<i>Pisces, Channidae</i>): A biological synopsis and risk assessment

    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 1.8 meters in length. All are considered thrust predators with most being pisciv
    By
    Ecosystems, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
  • News
    link

    A Breakthrough in Controlling Invasive Fish

    On a windy July morning on Lake Superior’s Whitefish Bay, fisherman Ralph Wilcox of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and his son, Dan...

    Read Article
    link

    Moving Barges Have Potential to Transport Invasive Fish

    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...

    Read Article
    link

    Invasive Northern Snakehead Carries Bacteria as Bad as its Bite

    The invasive northern snakehead fish found in the mid-Atlantic area is now cause for more concern, potentially bringing diseases into the region that...

    Read Article