northern snakehead
(Channa argus)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Native to China, Russia, and Korea. Introduced to North America as a food fish. Potentially part of the food fish industry and aquarium trade.
Appearance
The average total length is approx. 8-28" (20-70 cm) but may reach lengths up to approx. 33.5" (85 cm). The body is long, rounded, thick in the mid-section and tapers off towards the tail fin. Has a small head with enlarged scales. Eyes are forward-facing. The mouth is large and extends well beyond the eye. Has rows of small, sharp, slender teeth.
Fins
Single dorsal (on back) fin extends along the back almost to the tail. Anal fin also extends almost to the tail. Pelvic fins insert very close to the pectoral fins.
Color
Golden tan to brown with dark blotches on the sides and back.
Similar Species
Bowfin has a bony head that is unscaled, an eyespot at the base of the tail, pelvic fins located mid-body, and an anal fin that does not extend to the tail. Burbot has no visible scales, one barbel on the chin, and eyes located toward the back of the mouth; two dorsal fins, a short one followed by a longer one that extends along the back almost to the tail.
Habitat
Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Tolerates water temperatures ranging from 0-30 C.
Ecological Threat
Snakehead fish outcompete native species for food and habitat. The major concern is that they could outcompete and eventually completely displace important native fish.
References
DelViscio, J. 2004. Introduced Species Summary Project, Northern Snakehead (Channa argus). [Online] Accessed: [10-17-2013].
Landis, A.M.G., N.W.R. Lapointe and P.L. Angermeier. 2011. Individual growth and reproductive behavior in a newly established population of northern snakehead (Channa argus), Potomac River, USA. Hydrobiologia 661:123-131.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2012. Northern Snakehead Fact Sheet. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Ontario, Canada.
Native to China, Russia, and Korea. Introduced to North America as a food fish. Potentially part of the food fish industry and aquarium trade.
Appearance
The average total length is approx. 8-28" (20-70 cm) but may reach lengths up to approx. 33.5" (85 cm). The body is long, rounded, thick in the mid-section and tapers off towards the tail fin. Has a small head with enlarged scales. Eyes are forward-facing. The mouth is large and extends well beyond the eye. Has rows of small, sharp, slender teeth.
Fins
Single dorsal (on back) fin extends along the back almost to the tail. Anal fin also extends almost to the tail. Pelvic fins insert very close to the pectoral fins.
Color
Golden tan to brown with dark blotches on the sides and back.
Similar Species
Bowfin has a bony head that is unscaled, an eyespot at the base of the tail, pelvic fins located mid-body, and an anal fin that does not extend to the tail. Burbot has no visible scales, one barbel on the chin, and eyes located toward the back of the mouth; two dorsal fins, a short one followed by a longer one that extends along the back almost to the tail.
Habitat
Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Tolerates water temperatures ranging from 0-30 C.
Ecological Threat
Snakehead fish outcompete native species for food and habitat. The major concern is that they could outcompete and eventually completely displace important native fish.
References
DelViscio, J. 2004. Introduced Species Summary Project, Northern Snakehead (Channa argus). [Online] Accessed: [10-17-2013].
Landis, A.M.G., N.W.R. Lapointe and P.L. Angermeier. 2011. Individual growth and reproductive behavior in a newly established population of northern snakehead (Channa argus), Potomac River, USA. Hydrobiologia 661:123-131.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2012. Northern Snakehead Fact Sheet. Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Ontario, Canada.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Delaware Invasive Finfish
- Florida Conditional and Prohibited Non-Native Species Lists
- Maryland Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan
- Maryland Invasive Species Council - Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland
- Michigan’s Invasive Species Watch List
- Michigan’s Prohibited and Restricted Species
- Mid-Atlantic Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
- Minnesota DNR invasive species list
- New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team 2017 Invasive Species List
- New York Regulated and Prohibited Invasive Species - Prohibited
- Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems
- Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program Tracked Species List
- Pennsylvania's Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
- Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan 2012
- West Virginia Invasive Species Strategic Plan and Volunteer Guidelines 2014
- Wisconsin's Invasive species rule – NR 40
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Subphylum: Vertebrata |
| Class: Actinopterygii |
| Subclass: Neopterygii |
| Order: Perciformes |
| Family: Channidae |
| Genus: Channa |
| Channa argus |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.