INFORMATION!
NORTHERN SNAKEHEAD
Channa argus
Northern snakehead is a species native to
China, Korea and Russia. It is considered a food fish
in its native waters. It was likely introduced into the
United States through Asian fish markets. Some fish
have been found in the aquarium trade. It has been
located in Florida, Maryland, California, Virginia
and possibly North Carolina. It has established
a reproducing and expanding population in
the Potomac River system where irginia and
Maryland are trying to eradicate or at least control
it. Northern snakehead is a predatory species and is
mainly piscivorous as an adult. They could impact
native species where introduced. This species can
reach a size of 33 inches and prefers slow to stagnant
waters. It can survive oxygen-depleted waters since
it is an obligate air breather. It is believed they could
establish in South Carolina waters, since they have
survived in states to the north and south of our
state. Even though the Northern snakehead has
received the most attention there are several other
species of snakehead in the family Channidae that
were listed as injurious wildlife under revisions to
the Lacey Act.
- If you catch a snakehead, DO NOT RELEASE IT! Keep the fish, freeze it or place it on ice and contact the S.C. Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-922-5431