Buying snakehead fish11/16/2023 ![]() ![]() On May 24, 2018, the Maryland record for snakehead was broken by bow fisherman Andy Cox. It tipped the scales at 12 pound, 12 ounces. The Delaware record snakehead was caught by Bobby Smith in 2017 in the Nanticoke River. Fish & Wildlife Service Record Northern Snakeheads This species of fish looks somewhat similar. Snakeheads are distinctive and easily identified, except for in areas where native bowfin are present. More Information on identifying Snakeheads can be found here in Snakehead Identification. Pelvic fins located beneath the pectoral fins.They can be identified with the characteristics listed below. Snakeheads reach sexual maturity at about age two and approximately 12 inches long. ![]() Their ability to breathe air can allow snakeheads to live out of water for days at a time as long as their skin stays moist, which is one way they migrate and infest new areas. They also have the ability to breathe air because of a labyrinth organ. ![]() Snakeheads are freshwater fish but can handle low-salinity waters. Snakeheads can also be referred to as Amur snakehead, eastern snakehead, and mudfish. Northern snakeheads are the variety commonly found in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Channa incorporate 18 of those species and originate from Asia, while the Parachanna only contains three of the species and can be found in tropical Africa. Snakeheads refer to the fish family Channidae which includes 21 species separated into two genera, Channa and Parachanna. Photo courtesy of Caz Kenny What are Snakehead Fish? Snakeheads are an invasive species but are now widespread throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Snakeheads were first spotted in the region in 2002, when they were feared as an injurious species, and even today studies are being done to find out the effects of snakeheads in the environment and the best ways to combat them. Some areas were so desperate to prevent the spread of snakeheads that in 2012 if you posted a picture of yourself with a dead snakehead on Maryland’s Angler Log you could receive a $200 gift card. Anglers are asked to NOT RELEASE Northern Snakehead alive.The northern snakehead is a species of fish originally from Asia that has been classified as invasive, but has thrived in Mid-Atlantic areas such as the Blackwater complex, the Potomac River, and the Rappahannock River. Anyone reporting a tag will receive a certificate of participation and a reward. You will be asked to provide information about the location, date, gear used and length of the tagged snakehead. If you catch a tagged snakehead, please call the toll free number 1-80. With the help of the public we can continue to control populations of Northern Snakehead where they exist, which should help minimize future negative impacts. For this reason we encourage anglers to target and harvest Northern Snakehead when captured.Īlthough it is doubtful that complete eradication can be achieved, control efforts have been successful. We have learned that harvest by anglers can remove over 25% of the local population, which goes a long way toward reducing snakehead numbers. For example, we have been studying the fish community in the Blackwater River drainage to assess changes following establishment of Northern Snakehead. We are monitoring the status of snakehead populations in several Chesapeake Bay tributaries, and are studying whether they can be controlled through removal. Learn more about invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars. The Maryland Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office is working with state and federal partners to determine the most effective way to reduce the spread of this invasive species invasive speciesĪn invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. ![]() Authorities in all states are working to control snakehead populations, and prevent colonization of additional waterways. Northern Snakehead is listed as an injurious species under the Lacey Act, meaning it cannot be possessed or transported live. Northern Snakeheads have also been found in rivers in NY, PA, and AK. Soon after in 2004, snakeheads were found in the Potomac River, and have since been found throughout nearly all of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. In 2002, they were first found in a pond in Crofton, MD. Northern Snakehead is native to Asia but has successfully colonized the Chesapeake Bay watershed. ![]()
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