As a family, snakeheads are native to parts of Asia and Africa.
Capable of breathing air using an air bladder that works as a primitive lung (not found in most fish)
Able to hibernate in cracks and crevices during cold temperatures and to go dormant in the mud during droughts
Voracious top-level predator, eating mostly fish, but also eats other aquatic wildlife and frogs
Capable of moving short distances on land using its pectoral fins; can live out of water for as many as three days
Favored as a food fish throughout southeast Asia. Also sold in the aquarium trade.
Four species have been found in the U.S., in eight states, probably the result of releases from personal aquariums or to develop local food sources
No natural predators in the U.S. |
