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Snakehead (fish)

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For other uses, seeSnakehead (disambiguation).

Snakehead
Temporal range:Eoceneto recent,48.6–0Ma
Northern snakehead,Channa argus
Scientific classificationEdit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anabantiformes
Suborder: Channoidei
Berg,1940
Family: Channidae
Fowler,1934
Genera

see text

Thesnakeheadsare members of thefreshwaterperciformfish familyChannidae,native to parts of Africa and Asia. These elongated,predatory fishare distinguished by their longdorsal fins,large mouths, and shiny teeth. They breathe air with gills, which allows them to migrate short distances over land. They havesuprabranchialorgans, which are primitive forms oflabyrinth organs,that develop when they grow older.[1]The twoextantgeneraareChannain Asia andParachannain Africa, consisting of more than 50 species.

They are valuable as a food source and have become notorious as an intentionally releasedinvasive species.These fish have been kept as pets but as they get larger, people let them go into ponds, lakes, and rivers, making these fish invasive.

Description[edit]

The variousspeciesof snakeheads differ greatly in size;dwarf snakeheads,such asChanna orientalis,do not surpass 25 cm (10 in) in length. Most other snakeheads reach between 30 and 90 cm (12 and 35 in). Five species (C. argus,C. barca,C. marulius,C. micropeltes,andC. striata) can reach 1 m (3 ft 3 in) or more.[2]

Snakeheads are thrust-feeders that consumeplankton,aquatic insects,andmolluskswhen small. As adults, they mostly feed on other fish (such ascarp) or on frogs. In rare cases, small rodents such as rats are eaten.

History[edit]

The Channidae are well represented in the fossil record and known from numerous specimens. They likely originated in the south Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent (modern-day northern India and eastern Pakistan) at least 50 million years ago (Mya), during theEarly Eoceneepoch. Two of the earliest known species,Eochanna chorlakkiensisandAnchichanna kuldanensis,have both been found in theMiddle Eoceneof Pakistan.[3][4]By 17 Mya, during theEarly Miocene,Channidae had spread into western and central Eurasia, and by 8 Mya, during the lateTortonian,they existed throughout Africa and East Asia.[5]As Channidae are adapted to climates of high precipitation with mean temperatures of 20 °C (68 °F), their migrations into Europe and Asia correspond to the development of theIntertropical Convergence Zone,which increased air humidity, and the intensification of theEast Asian monsoon.Both weather patterns emerged due to greater vertical growth of theAlps,Pyrenees,andHimalayas,which affected Eurasian climatic patterns.[5]

Ecological concerns[edit]

Snakehead murrel,Channa striata,Java, Indonesia

Snakeheads can become invasive species and causeecological damagebecause, in many areas to which they are not native, the absence of natural enemies makes them anapex predator.Not only can they breathe air, but they can also survive on land for up to four days, provided they are wet, and are known to migrate up to 400 m (1/4 mi) on wet land to other bodies of water by wriggling with their bodies and fins. National Geographichas referred to snakeheads as "fishzilla"[6]and theNational Geographic Channelreported the "northern snakehead reaches sexual maturity by age two or three. Each spawning-age female can release up to 15,000 eggs at once. Snakeheads can mate as often as five times a year. This means in just two years, a single female can release up to 150,000 eggs."[7]

"Since 2002, it has been illegal to possess a live snakehead in many U.S. states, where they are considered a destructive invasive species."[8]Virginia has criminalized the "introduction" of snakeheads into the state without specific authorization, although the relevant statute does not explain whether mere importation is sufficient to constitute "introduction into the Commonwealth" or whether instead release into the environment is required.[9]

Intentional introductions[edit]

Humans have been introducing snakeheads to nonindigenous waters for over 100 years. In parts of Asia and Africa, the snakehead is considered a valuable food fish since the flesh is very tender, and is produced inaquacultures(fisheries motivation) or by accidental release (as was the case inCrofton, Maryland).[10]Examples of the introduction of snakeheads to nonindigenous waters include:

  • Channa maculatawas introduced to Madagascar and to Hawaii around the end of the 19th century. It can still be found there today.
  • Channa striatawas introduced to islands east of theWallace lineby governmental programs in the latter half of the 20th century. In Fiji, the introduction failed.
  • Channa asiatica,which is native to southern China, was introduced to Taiwan and southern Japan; the origin of and reason for the introduction are unknown.
  • Channa argus,which is native to northern China'sAmur River,was introduced to central Asia (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). It was introduced from theKorean Peninsulato Japan about 100 years ago due to fisheries' motivations. Its introduction to Czechoslovakia by its government in the 1960s failed.

Reported sightings[edit]

In the United States[edit]

Snakeheads became a national news topic in the United States because of the appearance ofC. argus,commonly known asnorthern snakeheads,spawning in a Crofton, Maryland, pond in 2002.[8]Northern snakeheads became permanently established in thePotomac Riveraround 2004,[11]and possibly established inFlorida.[8]In about 120 mi (190 km) of river, the population has surpassed 21,000 individuals.[12]

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, snakeheads have also been spotted inCalifornia,Delaware,Florida,Georgia,Hawaii,Maine,Maryland,Massachusetts,Virginia,Louisiana,[13]andRhode Island.[14]Snakeheads have also been spotted inNew York Stateaccording to the state's Department of Environmental Conservation.[15]Snakeheads have been caught in New Jersey since at least 2008 and according to the New Jersey Department of environmental protection the snakehead population appears to be growing and expanding its distribution. Due to the extensive habitat available and sheer size of the Delaware River, complete eradication of the species does not appear to be feasible.[16]

World record[edit]

According to theInternational Game Fish Association,Caleb Newton, aSpotsylvania County, Virginia,resident, caught a world-record 17 lb 6 oz (7.9 kg) northern snakehead at the junction ofAquia Creekand the Potomac River, United States, on 1 June 2013. The previous record, 17 lb 4 oz (7.8 kg), had been caught in 2004, inMiki, Kagawa,Japan.[17]

Culinary use[edit]

Snakeheads are valuablefood fish.Callednga yantin Burmese and in Manipur [Meiteilon] asporom,they are prized fish eaten in a variety of ways.In south india specifically the state of Kerala natively calledVaral(Malayalam:വരാൽ) this fish is used to make Varal curry which is very famous in the state. In Vietnam, they are calledcá lóc,cá quả,orcá chuối,and are served in clay-pot, steamed, and pickled preparations. Larger species, such asC. striata,C. maculata,andParachanna obscura,are farmed inaquaculture.In the United States, chefs have suggested controlling the snakehead invasion by serving them in restaurants.[18] In Indonesia, snakehead fish, calledikan gabus,are served as the main parts of traditional dishes such as theBetawi people'spucung gabus,and considered to be a delicacy due to their rarity in the wild and in aquaculture, as they are harder to raise than other popularfreshwater fishsuch as catfish and carp. In thePhilippines,where it's called "Haluan" (theTagalogscall it "Dalag" ), it is a favorite amongMaguindanaonsandIranuns.

C. pleurophthalma

Classification[edit]

The snakeheads comprise twoextantgenera:

  • ChannaScopoli,1777(49 species native to Asia)
  • ParachannaTeugels & Daget 1984(three extant species, one fossil species, all native to Africa)

Two other genera are only known from fossils:

The genusAenigmachannawas initially classified in Channidae upon its discovery, but analysis supports it being reclassified into its own familyAenigmachannidae.[20]

In popular culture[edit]

After its release in non-native North American waters, either accidentally or intentionally, the aggressive and predator-free snakehead's reputation as a "Frankenfish"[21]or "monster fish" has become part of popular culture.[22]Besides mentions on TV shows such asThe Sopranos,[23]The Office[24]andCSI:NYepisode "Sangre por Sangre" andCentral Parkepisode "A Fish Called Snakehead", the snakehead has been featured in fourSci-fi Channeloriginal pictures entitledSnakehead Terror,Frankenfish,Swarm of the Snakehead,andSnakehead Swamp.In theAnimal PlanetTV seriesRiver Monsters,Jeremy Wadeshows a dramatization of a snakehead, "the fish from hell", stalking an unsuspecting baby and aChihuahua.With the help of a snakehead researcher, however, Wade shows that although it is capable of living outside of water and is able to move on land, its weak pectoral muscles make movement difficult and render the snakehead an unlikely "stalker" on land.[25]

Abowfin,aliving fossil,often confused with the snakehead

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^Pinter, H. (1986).Labyrinth Fish.Barron's Educational Series, Inc.,ISBN0-8120-5635-3.
  2. ^Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2014).Species ofChannainFishBase.June 2014 version.
  3. ^Murray, A. M.; Thewissen, J. G. M. (2008). "Eocene actinopterygian fishes from Pakistan, with the description of a new genus and species of channid (channiformes)".Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.28:41–52.doi:10.1671/0272-4634(2008)28[41:EAFFPW]2.0.CO;2.S2CID85925173.
  4. ^Roe, L. J. (1991). "Phylogenetic and Ecological Significance of Channidae (Osteichthyes Teleostei) from the Early Eocene Kuldana Formation of Kohat, Pakistan".Contributions from the Museum of Paleontology.28(5): 93–100.hdl:2027.42/48541.
  5. ^abBöhme, M. (2004). "Migration history of air-breathing fishes reveals Neogene atmospheric circulation patterns".Geology.32(5): 393.Bibcode:2004Geo....32..393B.doi:10.1130/G20316.1.
  6. ^Cruz, Elena (2007-12-03)."Snakehead Frenzy!".NGC Blog.National Geographic Channel.Archived fromthe originalon December 8, 2007.
  7. ^"Fishzilla: Snakehead Invasion".Wild.National Geographic Channel.Archived fromthe originalon 2008-05-15.Video clip titled: "The Northern Snakehead fish wreaks havoc".
  8. ^abcCourtenay, Jr., Walter R. and James D. Williams. USGS Circular 1251: Snakeheads (Pisces, Chinnidae) - A Biological Synopsis and Risk Assessment. U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey.2004-04-01. Retrieved 2021-07-05.
  9. ^Code of Virginia § 18.2-313.2:"Any person who knowingly introduces into the Commonwealth any snakehead fish of the family Channidae[...] without a permit from the Director of Game and Inland Fisheries [...] is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor [punishable by up to twelve months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500]."
  10. ^Fields, Helen (February 2005)."Invasion of the Snakeheads".Smithsonian.Science.
  11. ^Potomac snakeheads not related to othersAssociated Press,Baltimore Sun,27 April 2007.
  12. ^Clark Howard, Brian (2016-03-17)."Fishermen Battle Invasive 'Frankenfish' Snakeheads".National Geographic News.Archived fromthe originalon March 19, 2016.Retrieved2016-03-18.
  13. ^"The snakehead is here: Aggressive, air-breathing fish makes first appearance in Louisiana".9 June 2023.
  14. ^"History of introduction in the United States: Four species of snakeheads (Channa argus, C. marulius, C. micropeltes,andC. striata) have been recorded from open waters of the United States (California, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island), and two have become established as reproducing populations. "Injurious Wildlife Species; SnakeheadsEnvironmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 17 February 2008.
  15. ^"Invasive Northern Snakehead - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation".NYS DEC.New York State.Retrieved18 November2020.
  16. ^""Snakehead Management Activities: 2010""(PDF).
  17. ^Rusty Dennen (6 August 2013)."Spotsylvania resident Caleb Newton snags world-record snakehead".news.fredericksburg.com.Archived fromthe originalon 2013-08-09.
  18. ^"Chefs' solution for invading 'Frankenfish'? Eat 'em".News.msn.com. Archived fromthe originalon 2014-03-20.Retrieved2014-03-20.
  19. ^A. M. Murray & J.G.M. Thewissen (2008). "Eocene actinopterygian fishes from Pakistan, with the description of a new genus and species of channid (channiformes)".Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.28(1): 41–52.doi:10.1671/0272-4634(2008)28[41:EAFFPW]2.0.CO;2.S2CID85925173.
  20. ^Britz, Ralf; Dahanukar, Neelesh; Anoop, V. K.; Philip, Siby; Clark, Brett; Raghavan, Rajeev; Rüber, Lukas (2020-09-30)."Aenigmachannidae, a new family of snakehead fishes (Teleostei: Channoidei) from subterranean waters of South India".Scientific Reports.10(1): 16081.Bibcode:2020NatSR..1016081B.doi:10.1038/s41598-020-73129-6.ISSN2045-2322.PMC7527459.PMID32999397.
  21. ^"B.C.'s snakehead caught after Burnaby pond drained. CBC News (Posted: June 8, 2012)".Cbc.ca. 2012-06-08.Retrieved2014-03-20.
  22. ^"The Ultimate Monster Fish: The Frankenfish Snakehead", Carina Suarez, 28 July 2014,National Geographic
  23. ^"Soprano Home Movies"episode 13, season 6,The Sopranos,8 April 2007, HBO
  24. ^Blackmail - The Office US,2018-02-24,retrieved2018-04-01[dead YouTube link]
  25. ^"GIANT SNAKEHEAD".animal.discovery.com.Archived fromthe originalon 2012-08-20.

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related toChannidae.
Wikispecieshas information related toChannidae.
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