Freshwater, Invasive species
Northern Snakehead
Channa argus
Elongated, torpedo-shaped body with a long dorsal fin and anal fin. The head is flattened, resembling a snake, with large scales on top. Coloration is typically tan to dark brown with large, irregular chocolate-colored blotches or 'saddles'. It has a large mouth with many small teeth and sharp canines.
- Habitat
- Native to East Asia (China, Russia, Korea), but invasive…
- Size & weight
- Typically 24-33 inches long; maximum recorded length is…
- Diet
- Aggressive carnivorous predator. Juveniles eat zooplankt…
Identified More freshwater, invasive species →
Learn more about Northern Snakehead in the encyclopedia →Identify your own catch.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical characteristics
Elongated, torpedo-shaped body with a long dorsal fin and anal fin. The head is flattened, resembling a snake, with large scales on top. Coloration is typically tan to dark brown with large, irregular chocolate-colored blotches or 'saddles'. It has a large mouth with many small teeth and sharp canines.
Habitat & distribution
Native to East Asia (China, Russia, Korea), but invasive in North America. Prefers stagnant or slow-moving freshwater such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes with muddy bottoms and dense aquatic vegetation.
Behavior
Known for its ability to breathe atmospheric air using a suprabranchial organ, allowing it to survive in low-oxygen water. It is capable of surviving out of water for several days in moist conditions and can 'crawl' short distances over land to find new water bodies.
Diet
Aggressive carnivorous predator. Juveniles eat zooplankton and insects; adults feed primarily on other fish, but also consume crustaceans, frogs, small reptiles, and occasionally small birds or mammals.
Reproduction
High reproductive capacity. Females can lay up to 50,000-100,000 eggs several times per year. Both parents guard the nest and the fry aggressively, ensuring high survival rates for offspring.
Ecological role
Top-tier apex predator. In non-native environments, it disrupts local food webs by outcompeting native fish and preying on a wide variety of native species.
Similar species
Often confused with the Bowfin (Amia calva). Key differences: Snakeheads have a very long anal fin and lack the 'eye spot' (ocellus) on the tail seen in male Bowfins.
Identification tips
Look for the snake-like head scales, the length of the anal fin (which covers more than half the body length), and the dark, irregular blotches along the flanks.
Interesting facts
Northern snakeheads are obligate air-breathers, meaning they must come to the surface to breathe air or they will actually drown. They are often called 'Frankenfish' due to their aggressive nature and ability to survive on land.