The Northern Snakehead, Channa argus, often appears in media reports with a sensationalized reputation, leading many to fear a dangerous creature capable of walking on land and actively attacking humans. This perception of direct physical danger is largely misplaced. The actual danger posed by the snakehead is primarily ecological, stemming from its designation as an invasive species that disrupts native aquatic ecosystems. Native to East Asia, the fish was introduced to North American waterways through live food markets and the illegal release of aquarium pets. The threat it represents is much more about the long-term health and balance of freshwater environments.
Understanding the Northern Snakehead
The Northern Snakehead is a large, elongated, predatory fish that can grow to over 33 inches in length and weigh up to 19 pounds. It gets its common name from its distinctively scaled, somewhat flattened head, which bears a resemblance to a snake’s head. A unique biological trait is its ability to breathe atmospheric oxygen. The fish possesses a specialized organ above its gills, which allows it to gulp air directly from the surface.
This adaptation enables the Northern Snakehead to survive in environments with low dissolved oxygen levels, or to remain alive on land in moist conditions for several days. This air-breathing capability allows it to move short distances over land by wriggling to reach new bodies of water, contributing to its rapid spread. The species is also notably cold-tolerant, capable of surviving temperatures near freezing, which allows it to thrive in a wide range of climates across the United States.
Assessing the Threat to Humans
The immediate physical threat a Northern Snakehead poses to a person is relatively low, despite its aggressive appearance and sharp teeth. The fish is not venomous and generally avoids contact with humans in the open water. Instances where a snakehead might become aggressive involve its parental instincts. The Snakehead is known to guard its eggs and young aggressively, and it may strike at anything it perceives as a threat to its nest.
Any injury to a human would most likely occur during the handling of a captured fish, where its large mouth and canine-like teeth can inflict a bite wound. Anglers are cautioned to use pliers or a fish grip when handling a thrashing snakehead to prevent injury. The primary concern with any bite is the risk of infection.
The Environmental Danger of an Invasive Species
The significant danger of the Northern Snakehead is its potential to destabilize native aquatic food webs, classifying it as a high-risk invasive species. As a large, voracious predator, the adult snakehead’s diet consists mainly of other fish, crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, and even small birds and mammals. This status as a near-apex predator means it directly competes with native sportfish, such as largemouth bass, for food resources.
Its reproductive capabilities compound the ecological threat. Females can spawn multiple times during the warm season, producing tens of thousands of eggs. This high fecundity, combined with the parental protection of eggs and young, allows populations to expand rapidly within invaded areas. Because of its hardiness and ability to occupy a wide range of habitats, the species is projected to spread across a large area of North America, further jeopardizing native fisheries.
Safe Handling and Reporting Guidelines
Due to the severe environmental threat posed by the Northern Snakehead, federal and state regulations mandate specific actions for anyone who catches one. The species is listed as an “injurious species” under the Federal Lacey Act, making the possession or interstate transport of a live snakehead illegal. Anglers are strongly encouraged to harvest the fish, and in many jurisdictions, they are legally required to immediately dispatch the fish upon capture.
Live release is often illegal; if permitted, it must be immediate and directly back into the waters from which it came. If a snakehead is caught, it should be killed humanely, with a blow to the head, and then documented. Sightings or catches should be reported immediately to the local state fish and wildlife agency, providing the date, specific location, and a photograph if possible. This assists in tracking the species’ spread and managing control efforts.