Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps The Northern Snakehead is also very similar to the Burbot (Lota lota), another North American native fish species. Additionally, Bowfin can be identified by the presence of a bony plate between the lower jaws (gular plate) and a distinctive method of swimming through undulation of the dorsal fin. Snakeheads can be distinguished from Bowfin by the position of pelvic fins (directly behind pectoral fins in snakeheads, farther back on body in Bowfin) and the size of the anal fin (elongate and similar in size to dorsal fin in snakeheads, short and much smaller than dorsal fin in Bowfin). Morphological differences used for identification between the two are depicted here. Snakeheads (family Channidae) are morphologically similar to the North American native Bowfin ( Amia calva), and the two are often misidentified. Juveniles have a similar color and pattern as the adults. Males are darker in color, and have a broader head, as compared to females (Gascho Landis and Lapointe 2010). It has a somewhat flattened head with eyes located in a dorsolateral position on the anterior part of the head anterior nostrils are present and tubular dorsal and anal fins are elongated, and all fins are supported only by rays (Courtenay and Williams 2004). Overall color is brown with dark blotches. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: Northern Snakehead – U.S.Identification: A long, thin fish with a single dorsal fin running the length of the fish.Northern Snakehead – Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.Fish Facts: Northern Snakehead – Maryland Department of Natural Resources.Any snakeheads in someone's possession must be dead. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries asks that all snakeheads be killed if possible. Virginia: It is illegal to possess, import or transport live northern snakehead. If you catch a snakehead in Pennsylvania, please contact the Fish and Boat Commission at (610) 847-2442 or via email using this contact form. It is illegal to introduce or import snakeheads into Pennsylvania waters, or to possess live snakeheads. Pennsylvania: Anglers who catch a snakehead are encouraged not to release it. If you have any further questions about catching or harvesting snakeheads, please contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources by calling (410) 260-8300. If you catch and want to keep a northern snakehead in Maryland, you are required to kill it. Maryland: It is illegal to possess, import or transport live northern snakehead. Anyone who catches a snakeahed is encouraged to kill it and notify the Division of Fish and WIldlife by calling (302) 735-8653 or (302) 739-9914. Snakehead regulations vary from state to state and are as follows:ĭelaware: It is illegal to transport, purchase, sell, stock or possess live snakeheads in Delaware. It was first discovered in the Bay watershed in a pond in Crofton, Maryland, in 2002. The northern snakehead is able to breathe air from the atmosphere using an air bladder that works similar to a lung. On average, the northern snakehead lives eight years in the wild. They will also lie dormant in mud during droughts. Snakeheads are highly resilient to changes in salinity, temperature and diet, and can live out of water for up to four days. Larvae are nourished by a yolk that they absorb by the time they are less than one-third of an inch long.Īfter that, they feed mostly on insects, small crustaceans and fish larvae. Larvae remain in the nest, which both parents guard. Reproduction and Life Cycleįemale snakeheads reach sexual maturity at two years old and can lay as many as 15,000 eggs one to five times per year. However, once they have fully matured, northern snakeheads are not prone to predation. While the northern snakehead has no natural predators in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, young snakeheads have been reported being carried away by large birds of prey, such as ospreys and eagles. Snakeheads typically feed in schools and prefer to hunt their prey in areas of low light. Once a snakehead is fully mature, other fish will make up over 90% of their diet, such as largemouth bass and white perch. Snakeheads prefer to eat fish, but will also feed on frogs, crustaceans and small birds, mammals or reptiles. Young snakeheads may be golden brown or pale gray, darkening as they grow older.
It has a large mouth with a protruding lower jaw and many teeth. Its long dorsal fin runs along most of its back. It has tan, dark brown or black coloring with a mottled, snake-like pattern.
The northern snakehead's elongated body grows to 33 inches in length.
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