Fin's Fish Guide
The Northern snakehead (Channa argus) is a freshwater fish of the family Channidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Fresh water of East Asia (China, Korea and the Amur region), in calm, vegetated rivers, lakes and swamps.
Description
The northern snakehead is an elongate predator of the family Channidae reaching about 1 metre. The brown, dark-blotched body has a flattened, snake-like head, a long dorsal and anal fin and a mouth full of sharp teeth. With an air-breathing organ it can breathe air, letting it survive in oxygen-poor water and even crawl over damp ground for short distances. The species comes from East Asia and lives in quiet, vegetated rivers, lakes and swamps. As a top predator it hunts fish, frogs, crustaceans and large aquatic insects; the parents fiercely guard their young. Outside its range, including in North America and parts of Europe, it is established as a harmful invasive species and is actively controlled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Northern snakehead?
The Northern snakehead has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Elongate predator with a snake-like head, a long dorsal and anal fin and sharp teeth; can breathe air and survive on land for a short time.
Where does the Northern snakehead live?
The Northern snakehead lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Fresh water of East Asia (China, Korea and the Amur region), in calm, vegetated rivers, lakes and swamps.
How big does the Northern snakehead get?
The Northern snakehead grows to a maximum of about 100 cm.
Is the Northern snakehead dangerous to humans?
The Northern snakehead can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A predator with sharp teeth that can bite when unhooked; use long-nose pliers and keep fingers out of the mouth.
Is the Northern snakehead edible?
Yes, the Northern snakehead is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Channa
More from the family Channidae
Want the complete picture on the Northern snakehead?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Northern snakehead is one of 12,519 species in the app.