The Snakehead Threat

In 2002, specimens of Northern Snakehead, a predatory fish native to China, Russia, and Korea, were first found in the U.S. in a pond in Maryland. The story generated national news coverage focusing public attention on the danger of releasing exotic species into environments where they don't belong. This introduction also led the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a federal ban on imports of this fish and other species in the same family (Channidae) as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. Northern Snakeheads have since been introduced in several areas around the U.S., including as nearby as Arkansas and Louisiana (see map), and several other species of snakeheads have also been introduced in localized areas.

Snakehead Biology

Snakeheads (Family Channidae) are native to Africa and southern Asia. About 28 species have been identified. Equipped with accessory breathing organs, these fish can gulp air and survive in waters with low dissolved oxygen levels. They can also live out of water for several days if they are kept moist. All snakeheads are aggressive predators and may eliminate other fishes in the waters they invade. They have even been known to bite humans who get too close to a guarded nest. The Northern Snakehead (Channa argus) is fairly cold tolerant, and could probably survive winters in many parts of the United States. This species also has the ability to cross land by wriggling or "walking" on its pectoral fins. Snakeheads have been imported to North America for the aquarium trade, and are sometimes sold live in Asian markets. Illegal, intentional release has resulted in their introduction in some parts of the U.S.

Snakeheads in Texas

No snakeheads have been found in Texas waters to date, but Northern Snakeheads in particular have invaded water bodies in other parts of the United States, including as nearby as Arkansas and Louisiana. Early detection of snakehead introductions is important, so you should learn how to identify and report them.

The Northern Snakehead is an invasive fish that closely resembles the Bowfin (Amia calva), a nongame fish that's native to Texas and is often mistaken for a snakehead. If you've caught or seen a fish that you think might be a snakehead, here's how to tell them apart. If you're not sure, take photos and send them to aquatic.invasives@tpwd.texas.gov. Don't release the fish!

Because of the potential for harm to native sportfish and imperiled aquatic animals to result from their release into lakes and streams, all species of snakeheads (Family Channidae) are prohibited in Texas. It is illegal in this state to possess, purchase, import, sell, or transport any living snakehead, release them into public waters, or culture these fishes. Dead snakeheads may be legally imported and sold. The only permits that can be issued for live snakeheads are for research or zoological purposes and there are no permits that may be issued for personal possession