Blotched Snakehead
| Scientific Name | (Channa maculata) |
|---|---|
| Classification and Permitting Level | 1 - Prohibited Aquatic Nuisance Species |
| Species Description | Blotched snakehead is an invasive fish that looks very similar to the Northern snakehead fish but has more regular barring on its body. It can reach about 13 inches in length, and is a delicacy in Asian cuisine. |
| Preferred Habitat | It can be found in shallow, vegetated areas of streams and ponds. |
| Reason for ANS Designation | This ambush predator may impact native species by consuming fish, invertebrates, snakes, frogs, and small mammals. They must breathe air, which makes them difficult to control since they can move across land to escape control efforts. |
| Place of Origin | Botched snakehead is native to China, Russia, and Korea. It was first documented in Hawaii in the 1800s but did not reach the continental United States until 2002. Live food markets are thought to spread this species. |
| Stopping the Spread | Never release live animals into the environment. Released organisms do not typically survive and those that do survive can wreak havoc on an ecosystem. |
| Additional Information | USGS Fact Sheet ANS Task Force Management Plan |