Snakehead Fish

[Gary]

I saw news report last night about a "Snakehead" The snakehead fish is a native of China but has been found in a Florida pond. It predates on all other fish and has the ability to "walk" to another body of water. Anyway in addition to a couple of large fish, snakehead fry were also found. I believe it was noticed in Massachusetts and another state. Anyone else heard of this fish and do you believe it is a potential disaster for our waterways.

[BIG AL]

Gary,yes this fish can cause major problems for our game fish population. They are similar to the dogfish (bowfin) and can consume many other fish. There was a topic last week on this same subject. Will post if I can find it.><> ><> ><> AL

[rogerm52]

Here is the best picture I found on this fish.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/fishingreport/snakehead.html

[Thundergut]

A buddy had these in his aquarium a few years back. These things were voracious. He fed them dead smelt 6 inches long or so. Pretty amazing because the snakeheads themselves were only 4 to 5 inches in length. Their teeth are nasty too. My buddy (a pretty sadistic fellow) used to hold his finger above the water and let them jump out to bite it. Their teeth are akin to piranha teeth. I would hope these things would never catch on, and I doubt they will. Think of all of the warnings against Oscars, Pacu and Piranhas in the past. Those 3 species are a serious rarity in our fisheries, but yet they have been hyped up as threatening exotics.

[Bob G2]

I hope they do not catch on either. But, just some food for thought.

The other 3 species of fish you mention only occur in tropical areas. This critter can survive winters.

I wonder how they taste :P

[GregM]

another link entitled fish invasion


http://abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/DailyNews/invasivefish020709.html