Northern Snakehead Research Paper

Channa Argus, commonly known as the northern snakehead, is one of the many invasive species around the world. This species is a top level predator and was introduced to several American states in 2002, but its natural habitat is based in southern and eastern Asia. Northern snakeheads were transported to the waters of America by being sold from pet stores and live food fish markets, followed by being released into the wild. The northern snakehead fish threatens and competes for the native species’ resources and habitat. The northern snakehead preys on zooplankton, smaller fish, fish larvae, crustaceans, frogs, insects, small reptiles, and even small mammals and birds. In the areas in which the northern snakehead has invaded, native populations are having gradual decreases because of the northern snakehead’s unextinguishable appetite.

The most notable features of the northern snakehead fish are its snake-like characteristics. The fish has a long cylindrical body with the blotchy coloration and patterns of a snake. The face has a large mouth with sharp, shiny teeth and the eyes are located far forward on the head with large scales placed at the top. The color patterns of the northern snakehead vary with age. Young northern snakehead colors vary

Coming from Asia, it isn 't likely that the northern snakehead was accidentally transported to the United States. In 1977, the northern snakehead was first spotted in California, in the Silverwood Lake. In 2002, this species was found in several ponds in the Maryland area. State biologists tried to rid of the northern snakeheads with chemical treatment called Rotenone.but the invasive species easily returned. The northern snakehead soon became established in the Potomac River of Maryland. Scientists continue to struggle with the elimination of the northern snakehead