The snakeheads are members of the freshwater perciform fish family Channidae, native to parts of Africa and Asia. Snakeheads belong to a pair of closely related genera of long, cylindrical fish from Asia and Africa: genus Channa and genus Parachanna. These elongated, predatory fish are distinguished by their long dorsal fins, large mouths, and shiny teeth.
They breathe air with gills, which allows them to migrate short distances over land. They are valuable as a food source and have become notorious as an intentionally released invasive species.
Globally, there are about 30 species; all have a large mouth and sharp teeth, large scales atop the head, and eyes located far forward on the head - making their heads resemble those of snakes.
Snakehead Identification
Air-breathing, torpedo-shaped fish with flattened head and toothed jaws; long anal and dorsal fins without spines; typically red eyes; body color darkens with age to deep brown with black blotches sometimes fringed with bright comma-shaped markings, and a red-orange eyespot (ocellus) near the base of the tail.
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Key identifiers:
- Both the dorsal and anal fins are elongated
- Pelvic fins are located close to pectoral fins and gills
- No black spot at base of tail
- Many small, sharp jaw teeth
Similar species: North America's native bowfins (Amia ocillicauda and Amia calva) are also cylindrical, can grow large, and have a large mouth and long dorsal fin. They are found in many of the same habitats, too. But they tend to be more olive-colored and have a black spot at the base of the tail (especially A. ocillicauda, which lives in Missouri), and they have peglike (not pointy) jaw teeth. Also, look at the fins:
- Snakeheads have a long and extended anal fin, which is the bottom fin closest to the tail (the northern snakehead species has some 30-32 rays). The native bowfins have a short anal fin of some 9-10 soft rays. (Think of “bowfin” as singular: only the dorsal fin is elongated, not both dorsal and anal.)
- Snakeheads have the pelvic fins (the paired fins on the bottom of the body) located forward on the body, close to the pectoral fins (the fins just behind the gill covers).
Adult length: can grow to about 33 inches; weight: commonly up to 10-12 pounds.
Size and Appearance
The various species of snakeheads differ greatly in size; dwarf snakeheads, such as Channa orientalis, do not surpass 25 cm (10 in) in length. Most other snakeheads reach between 30 and 90 cm (12 and 35 in).
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Feeding Habits
Snakeheads are thrust-feeders that consume plankton, aquatic insects, and mollusks when small. As adults, they mostly feed on other fish (such as carp) or on frogs.
Snakeheads are predatory fish that feed on a variety of prey, including fish, frogs, and insects.
Evolutionary History
The Channidae are well represented in the fossil record and known from numerous specimens. They likely originated in the south Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent (modern-day northern India and eastern Pakistan) at least 50 million years ago (Mya), during the Early Eocene epoch. Two of the earliest known species, Eochanna chorlakkiensis and Anchichanna kuldanensis , have both been found in the Middle Eocene of Pakistan. By 17 Mya, during the Early Miocene, Channidae had spread into western and central Eurasia, and by 8 Mya, during the late Tortonian, they existed throughout Africa and East Asia.
As Channidae are adapted to climates of high precipitation with mean temperatures of 20 °C (68 °F), their migrations into Europe and Asia correspond to the development of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which increased air humidity, and the intensification of the East Asian monsoon.
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Snakeheads as Invasive Species
Snakeheads can become invasive species and cause ecological damage because, in many areas to which they are not native, the absence of natural enemies makes them an apex predator.
National Geographic has referred to snakeheads as "fishzilla" and the National Geographic Channel reported the "northern snakehead reaches sexual maturity by age two or three. Each spawning-age female can release up to 15,000 eggs at once. Snakeheads can mate as often as five times a year.
Snakeheads have been known to become invasive species in non-native environments.
Humans have been introducing snakeheads to nonindigenous waters for over 100 years. Channa maculata was introduced to Madagascar and to Hawaii around the end of the 19th century. Channa striata was introduced to islands east of the Wallace line by governmental programs in the latter half of the 20th century. Channa argus, which is native to northern China's Amur River, was introduced to central Asia (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). It was introduced from the Korean Peninsula to Japan about 100 years ago due to fisheries' motivations.
Snakeheads in the United States
Snakeheads became a national news topic in the United States because of the appearance of C. argus.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, snakeheads have also been spotted in California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, Louisiana, and Rhode Island. Snakeheads have also been spotted in New York State according to the state's Department of Environmental Conservation. Snakeheads have been caught in New Jersey since at least 2008 and, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the snakehead population appears to be growing and expanding its distribution.
In the summer of 2002 and again in late spring 2004, Channa argus, 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.
Fisheries scientists consider snakeheads to be invasive species because they have the potential to threaten native fishes, the recreational fishing industry, and aquatic ecosystems.
The northern snakehead (C. argus) is the species that has been found in Missouri. The markings may vary, but they are generally tan with dark brown mottling. The jaws contain many small teeth, similar to those of pike and pickerel. The top of the head is typically indented (concave). Both dorsal and anal fins are extended and long. The pelvic fins are located forward on the body, near the pectoral fins.
A mature northern snakehead female can carry as many as 50,000 eggs, although some will not develop and others will be eaten by insects and small fishes following fertilization.
The second verified catch of an invasive northern snakehead in Missouri was on May 19, 2023; it was captured by an angler who was seining for bait at Duck Creek Conservation Area in Wayne County; the snakehead was 13 inches long and estimated to be about 1 year old. The first northern snakehead recorded in Missouri was caught in a borrow ditch within the St. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The northern snakehead has become invasively established in the Potomac River and threatens the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It also has been found in ponds, reservoirs, and other water bodies in several other states.
If snakeheads invade the Great Lakes, they could cause great damage to that ecosystem.
In 2008, northern snakeheads were found in Arkansas drainage ditches, after an accident at a commercial fish farm. Flooding allowed these fish to move into the local White River, and from there, the fish made their way into the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers. They have been spreading north through the waters of the St.
Missouri has more than 200 kinds of fish, more than are found in most neighboring states. Fishes live in water, breathe with gills, and have fins instead of legs. Most are covered with scales. Most fish in Missouri “look” like fish and could never be confused with anything else. True, lampreys and eels have snakelike bodies - but they also have fins and smooth, slimy skin, which snakes do not.
The Snakehead remain centered in the Margate/Coral Springs/Pompano Beach area where it was first documented in October 2000. They will likely be limited to the southern half of Florida since temperatures below 50 F are lethal. To the south this population is bounded by the North New River Canal (G-15), L-36 Canal to the west, and the Hillsboro Canal (G-08) to the north. This is the only area from which Snakeheads have been documented, although FWC has received numerous reports of Snakehead elsewhere these have all turned out to be similar-looking native fishes such as the Bowfin. Native range Pakistan, Malaysia, and southern China. In canals, typically associated with overhanging shoreline vegetation, dense submersed vegetation, and debris; tolerant of stagnant waters due to air-breathing capabilities.
What to do if you catch a Snakehead
Snakeheads are on Missouri's Prohibited Species List, and live fish and viable eggs may not be imported, exported, transported, sold, purchased, or possessed in Missouri.
Do not release the fish or toss it up on the bank, because it could migrate back to the water or to a new water body. Remember, this fish is an air breather and can live a considerable amount of time out of the water.
Kill the fish by severing the head, freezing the fish, or putting it on ice for an extended period of time. Photograph the fish, so the species can be positively identified.
Report any sightings of this invasive fish to MDC's Southeast Regional Office at (573)290-5730.
Snakeheads are listed as a prohibited species in Missouri.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses
Snakeheads are valuable food fish. Called nga yant in Burmese and in Manipur [Meiteilon] porom, they are prized fish eaten in a variety of ways. In the southern Indian state of Kerala, it is used to make Varal curry, named after the Malayalam name of the state, Varal (Malayalam: വരാൽ). In Vietnam, they are called cá lóc, cá quả, or cá chuối, and are served in clay-pot, steamed, and pickled preparations. Larger species, such as C. striata, C. maculata, and Parachanna obscura, are farmed in aquaculture.
In Indonesia, snakehead fish, called ikan gabus, are served as the main parts of traditional dishes such as the Betawi people's pucung gabus, and considered to be a delicacy due to their rarity in the wild and in aquaculture, as they are harder to raise than other popular freshwater fish such as catfish and carp.
Excellent; even said to have medicinal benefits in its native range by hastening the healing of wounds and internal injuries.
The African Snakehead (Parachanna africana)
The African snakehead or Niger snakehead, also known as Parachanna africana, is a type of fish found in west-central Africa. Not much is known about its life, but it lives mostly in coastal parts of rivers. This fish naturally lives in southern Benin and southern Nigeria. People in Nigeria sometimes eat this fish. It is also used in traditional medicine.
Sometimes, the African snakehead is confused with a similar fish called P. obscura.
Characteristics of the African Snakehead
Unique Pattern: The African snakehead has 8 to 11 dark, V-shaped marks along its body. Sometimes, the V-shaped marks might not be easy to see on a live fish.
The African snakehead has a long body that gets narrower towards its tail. Its head is a bit flat at the front and covered with larger scales. The lower jaw is slightly longer than the upper jaw. It has 3 to 4 strong, pointed teeth. The body color can be light to dark grey. The back and top of the head are darker, while the underside is lighter. It has a dark band on its head that gets wider behind its eye and gill cover. There is also a large, round black spot there.
P. africana lives in freshwater. It is a benthopelagic species, meaning it lives near the bottom and in the open water.
African Snakeheads in Aquariums
If you keep this fish in an aquarium, it likes a dimly lit tank. It prefers to have plants floating on the surface, like Ceratopteris spp. It's very important to use a lid that fits tightly on the aquarium. Parachanna spp are known for being able to escape! You should also leave a small gap between the water surface and the lid.
P. africana is an ambush predator. This means it hides and then quickly attacks its prey. In nature, it eats smaller fish and insects without backbones (invertebrates). In an aquarium, it usually learns to eat dead food. Older fish do not need to be fed every day.
Important Note: You should never feed this fish meat from mammals or birds, like beef heart or chicken. These meats contain fats that the fish cannot digest properly.
Yes, adult male African snakeheads are a bit slimmer and smaller than females. Males also have a longer, narrower head shape.
P. africana lays its eggs among floating plants. The eggs float at the surface of the water. The male fish then guards the eggs.
