Snake Head Fish
Sankehead Razor Sharp Teeth
The Snakehead is a special kind of fish. They are members of the freshwater perciform fish family Channidae which is native to parts of Africa and Asia. These elongated, predatory fish are distinguished by their long dorsal fins, large mouths, and shiny teeth. These fish have been given a lot of names in the past and has followed them up to this very day. Snakeheads have been called frankenfish, Devil's fish and the fish that walks on land.
Snakehead Aggression
The northern snake head has been described as a voracious predator of fishes, freshwater crustaceans, and amphibians. Once they are found in any lake, you can be sure that these ferocious hunters will dominate that area and begin their survival life cycle.
Snakeheads are not too particular in what is on the menu, if it moves it can and will be eaten. There have been many instances where snakeheads have attacked fisher-folks and have taken out huge chunks of flesh from feet. Many fishermen have lost digits, (fingers and toes because of snakeheads attack.
Snakehead Aggression
The northern snake head has been described as a voracious predator of fishes, freshwater crustaceans, and amphibians. Once they are found in any lake, you can be sure that these ferocious hunters will dominate that area and begin their survival life cycle.
Snakeheads are not too particular in what is on the menu, if it moves it can and will be eaten. There have been many instances where snakeheads have attacked fisher-folks and have taken out huge chunks of flesh from feet. Many fishermen have lost digits, (fingers and toes because of snakeheads attack.
Snakehead Character Table |
Value |
Average Life Span |
unknown |
Length |
12"-35" (Depends on the Species) |
Weight |
4-13 lbs |
Reproduction |
sexual maturity by age two or three Lays up to 15000 Eggs Mate as often as five times a yea |
Habitat |
Native To Asia and Africa. Found in Swamps, Rivers, Ponds. |
Diet |
Fishes, Frogs, Rats, insects, Crabs, shrimps, etc. |
Snakehead Fish
Snakeheads Natural Predator
Most fish has natural predators, including snakeheads. It may not have a lot of predators though, as the Large Mouth Bass has shown to hunt and eat the snakeheads. This preying upon the snakehead by the Bass had shown a reduction in snakehead population. Of course, much smaller or younger snakeheads are always at the risk of being eaten by just about anything in the ecosystem. Normal activity in the life cycle of nature.
Snakeheads Walk on Land
You have to give maximum respect to a fish that has all the natural given gifts of survival. Snakeheads are land walkers. Yes, they are capable of breathing air and thus able to traverse the land. So don't be surprised if you hear a knock on the door and a snakehead is outside with his suitcase demanding to use your bathtub. Snakeheads can survive on land up to at least 4 days. They will have to remain cool and moist though. They walk on land mainly to migrate to other bodies of water. They may migrate because of predetorial reasons such as they ate all the food in that river and now want to start havoc somewhere else. Or the previous body of water may have become saturated with snakeheads and they may seek to find water with less competition. They can walk up to 450 Meters from one body of water to the next.
Ban on Live Snakeheads
Snakeheads can become invasive species and cause ecological damage because in many areas to which they are not native the absence of natural enemies gives them highest level predator status, they become king of the pond /river. Snakeheads have wreaked havoc on fisher-folk and the natural wildlife. They have known to clean out vast amounts of fishes and other natural and needed animals of the ecosystem. They have cost fishermen significant losses as it relates to a decline in natural seafood fishing. This has prompted the United States Fish and Wildlife to enact a ban on all snakehead fishes since 2003. It is illegal to import live snake-head into the United States and to transport live snakeheads across state-lines.
Snakeheads Eaten By Humans
Well, I always say if something tries to eat you why not eat it back. But our good pals in Asia don't seem to be too picky about what is in the frying pan either. Snakeheads are a popular food in Asia, and are regularly raised in aquaculture settings and sold in fish markets. Snakeheads have also been cooked and eaten on many popular restaurants across the state and elsewhere. It is on the exotic menu list.
Conclusion
Snakeheads are a bit feared because of the impact it has on the ecosystem. And since it has been known to take chunks out of fisher folks. They too do not want this fish around. Remember to never handle snakeheads with your naked hand if you are not an expert at handling aquatic animals. If you spot snakeheads in rivers or lakes, report it to your nearest aquatic authority or even the police.
Most fish has natural predators, including snakeheads. It may not have a lot of predators though, as the Large Mouth Bass has shown to hunt and eat the snakeheads. This preying upon the snakehead by the Bass had shown a reduction in snakehead population. Of course, much smaller or younger snakeheads are always at the risk of being eaten by just about anything in the ecosystem. Normal activity in the life cycle of nature.
Snakeheads Walk on Land
You have to give maximum respect to a fish that has all the natural given gifts of survival. Snakeheads are land walkers. Yes, they are capable of breathing air and thus able to traverse the land. So don't be surprised if you hear a knock on the door and a snakehead is outside with his suitcase demanding to use your bathtub. Snakeheads can survive on land up to at least 4 days. They will have to remain cool and moist though. They walk on land mainly to migrate to other bodies of water. They may migrate because of predetorial reasons such as they ate all the food in that river and now want to start havoc somewhere else. Or the previous body of water may have become saturated with snakeheads and they may seek to find water with less competition. They can walk up to 450 Meters from one body of water to the next.
Ban on Live Snakeheads
Snakeheads can become invasive species and cause ecological damage because in many areas to which they are not native the absence of natural enemies gives them highest level predator status, they become king of the pond /river. Snakeheads have wreaked havoc on fisher-folk and the natural wildlife. They have known to clean out vast amounts of fishes and other natural and needed animals of the ecosystem. They have cost fishermen significant losses as it relates to a decline in natural seafood fishing. This has prompted the United States Fish and Wildlife to enact a ban on all snakehead fishes since 2003. It is illegal to import live snake-head into the United States and to transport live snakeheads across state-lines.
Snakeheads Eaten By Humans
Well, I always say if something tries to eat you why not eat it back. But our good pals in Asia don't seem to be too picky about what is in the frying pan either. Snakeheads are a popular food in Asia, and are regularly raised in aquaculture settings and sold in fish markets. Snakeheads have also been cooked and eaten on many popular restaurants across the state and elsewhere. It is on the exotic menu list.
Conclusion
Snakeheads are a bit feared because of the impact it has on the ecosystem. And since it has been known to take chunks out of fisher folks. They too do not want this fish around. Remember to never handle snakeheads with your naked hand if you are not an expert at handling aquatic animals. If you spot snakeheads in rivers or lakes, report it to your nearest aquatic authority or even the police.
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