Northern Snakehead
Channa argus
Northern snakehead (Channa argus) is an invasive, air-breathing predatory fish of warm, shallow freshwater. It can survive low-oxygen water and overland movement, so many regions require immediate removal and prohibit live transport.
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Identification points
- Long, cylindrical body with a snake-like profile
- Large mouth with a protruding lower jaw and many sharp teeth
- Dark mottled brown pattern with a long dorsal fin running most of the back
Habitat
Slow, vegetated freshwater such as ponds, lakes, ditches, canals, marshes, and sluggish streams; often holds in lily pads, mats, submerged weeds, and other cover in warm water.
Bait notes
Use live or cut bait such as minnows, shiners, frogs where legal, or strips of fish. Soft swimbaits, frogs, spinnerbaits, and topwater plugs work well around vegetation.
Behavior
An ambush predator that feeds on fish, frogs, crayfish, insects, and small birds or mammals near the surface and in cover. Often most active in warm weather and can gulp air at the surface.
Caution
Highly invasive and regulated in many areas; do not release or transport live fish, and check local rules before targeting or possessing it. Handle carefully due to sharp teeth and gill plates.
Fishing notes
Fish close to weed edges, mats, and shallow cover; work lures slowly and keep them in the strike zone. A weedless presentation helps in heavy cover, and strong tackle is useful for hard runs in thick vegetation.