Bowfin can most easily be distinguished from snakeheads by a shorter anal fin and a rounded tail fin. If you find a snakehead fish, kill it and put it on ice, then contact your state’s Department of Natural Resources. As blood enters and fills the corpora cavernosa of the penis. Fisheries sci-entists consider snakeheads to be invasive species because they have the … Invasion of the Snakeheads ... that has generated many hair-raising newspaper and television news stories—the northern snakehead. It has a somewhat flattened head with eyes located in a dorsolateral position on the anterior part of the head; tubular anterior nostrils; elongated dorsal and anal fins; and a truncated tail. In captivity, many will actually act shy around people. Most snakehead fish will avoid contact with humans. In captivity, many will actually act shy around people. Fisheries Channa argus (Northern Snakehead) has not yet had a significant economic impact within the tidal waters of Chesapeake Bay. The Northern Snakehead is an invasive species of top predator slim, ... economy or even human health. The northern snakehead is a voracious, apex predator with few, if any, natural enemies. One of the newest “foreign invaders” in the United States is the northern snakehead fish (channa argus). However, when guarding their eggs or young, they can become aggressive if approached. It's my understanding now that in many states I am "illegal" to possess because I am considered a "nuisance". The Northern Snakehead can survive for days out of water, and if it finds some mud it will burrow down and survive even longer while waiting for the rainy season. ... Aquarium Trade Boats Braided Buoyancy Durable Ecological Impact Economic Loss Fish Fishing Flotation Freshwater Invasive Mollusc Native Predator Protection Safety Saltwater Strong Water. cies, the northern snakehead, generated national media attention when anglers caught this fish in a pond in Maryland and, more recently, in the Potomac River in Maryland and Virginia. cies, the northern snakehead, generated national media attention when anglers caught this fish in a pond in Maryland and, more recently, in the Potomac River in Maryland and Virginia. Posted by: Richard James and Karley Wright Management Plan This plan provides details regarding the prevention of Channa argus from entering into Ontario’s fresh waterbodies to prevent the negative impact that northern snakehead would have on native aquatic species and popular game fish in Ontario. The northern snakehead has established itself firmly in the Potomac River system, with a population estimated at somewhere above 21,000 individuals, ranging through more than … In China, the Northern Snakehead is a part of a balanced ecosystem that has developed over the ages. Invasion of the Snakeheads ... has generated many hair-raising newspaper and television news stories—the northern snakehead. The invasive snakehead fish, which is native to Africa, Asia, Indonesia, and Malaysia, has been found in nine states in the United States and has notably developed a reproducing population in South Florida, Maryland, and Hawaii. Most have blotches of dark scales flecked in white along the side of the body. Fisheries sci-entists consider snakeheads to be invasive species because they have the … Impact on Biodiversity. Description. Northern snakeheads are very similar to our native bowfin (Amia calva). Northern snakehead juveniles feed on a wide variety of microscopic organisms, insect larvae, and crustaceans on which native fish rely. This creates the potential for the northern snakehead to negatively affect the overall health of native species in their home range. The northern snakehead is affected by various parasites that are known to affect native species in different parts of the world (Courtenay & Williams, 2004). Description Top of page. The species has tremendous potential to severely impact native populations of fishes as well as other crustaceans, insects and other biota. While the northern snakehead is not a threat to human health or safety, it is a ... will have significant impact on the human environment.