Invasive species can survive out of water for days and is already in the Delaware River Basin
From the NYS DEC, photo by Jason James
The northern snakehead (Channa argus) is an invasive, predatory fish species native to Asia and prohibited in New York State.
This unique fish can breathe air and survive for days out of water.
Once established, these formidable predators have the potential to change aquatic ecosystems by outcompeting top predators, including sportfish, and eating our native fish species.
Identifying a northern snakehead can be tricky as they can be confused with bowfin and burbot, both native to New York. They can be distinguished by their long, thin body, flattened head, and a single dorsal (top) fin running the length of their backs. They also tend to have a more pronounced blotchy pattern along their sides.
Northern snakehead are currently found in the Delaware River, Bashakill Wildlife Management Area and several lakes and ponds on Long Island where they were likely introduced by aquarium releases or intentional stocking for fishing purposes.
