Why is the snakehead a threat?
The northern snakehead has been introduced into Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, eastern Europe, Japan, and the United States. Because they are voracious predators that quickly grow and reproduce, they have the potential to outcompete native species, making them a significant ecological threat.
Why are northern snakeheads invasive?
Fisheries sci- entists consider snakeheads to be invasive species because they have the potential to threaten native fishes, the recreational fishing industry, and aquatic ecosystems. What do they look like? Snakeheads have a long, cylindri- cal body with a large mouth and sharp teeth.
How did northern snakehead become invasive?
It is believed that the northern snakehead fish entered the United States when aquarium owners discarded their unwanted exotic captive species into local waterways. Northern snakehead fish can spread by swimming underwater and are also capable of breathing out of the water to move short distances on land.
What impact do snakehead fish have on the economy?
Snakeheads are highly invasive and have the potential to disrupt recreational and commercial fishing, harm native fish and wildlife, and impact our economy.
What negative effects is the northern snakehead having on its new ecosystem?
Potential ecological and economic impacts Should they find a way into natural freshwater ecosystems; snakeheads have the potential to cause enormous damage to recreational and commercial fisheries, including salmon. Snakeheads can eat practically any small animal or fish they encounter.
What’s wrong with snakehead fish?
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 may spread to native fish and wildlife, according to a team of U.S. Geological Survey scientists.
What is being done about the northern snakehead?
MANAGEMENT: The potential control methods for a snakehead infestation are limited, but vary with each specific infestation site. Physical removal of the fish using nets, traps, angling, electrofishing or biological control by introduction of predators are not likely to be successful for large infestations.
What is the northern snakehead scientific name?
Channa argus
Northern snakehead/Scientific names
What are we doing to stop northern snakehead?
What do northern snakehead fish eat?
Northern snakeheads devour and compete with our native fish, including important sportfish such as largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Juvenile snakeheads eat zooplankton, insect larvae, small crustaceans, and other small fish.
What is being done to stop the northern snakehead?
What species of fish are affected by the northern snakehead?
Channa argus has the potential for moderate socio-economic impact if introduced to the Great Lakes. Potential: In the Potomac River, the habitat and feeding preferences of northern snakehead appear to overlap with that of the recreationally important largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).
Why are Northern snakeheads a problem in the wild?
Northern Snakeheads are a problem because they will compete with native species for food and habitat in all life stages. The behaviours the Northern Snakehead could disrupt native aquatic ecosystems.
How did the northern snakehead get to Maryland?
The Northern Snakeheads got here by an owner of the fish species. They brought it as a pet and once it got too big for the owner to handle they let it go in a lake, river or pond. It was discovered in a Maryland river in 2002. Northern Snakeheads are a problem because they will compete with native species for food and habitat in all life stages.
How to report a northern snakehead in PA?
Anglers who suspect they have caught a snakehead are encouraged to NOT release it, and report it to the PFBC at (610) 847-2442 or by sending an email to [email protected] . For more information on Northern Snakeheads in Pennsylvania, including an identification guide, visit the PFBC snakehead resource page
What kind of fish does a northern snakehead eat?
An adult northern snakehead may consume prey up to a third (33%) of its own size. They eat stuff. Lots of stuff. Northern snakeheads devour and compete with our native fish, including important sportfish such as largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).