Northern Snakehead

invasive species · freshwater fish · Asia

Native to Asia. Northern snakeheads come from East Asia, originally living in rivers and wetlands across China, Russia, and Korea. They've been an important food fish in their home region for centuries.

Breathes air too. Unlike most fish that need gills to breathe underwater, northern snakeheads can gulp air at the surface. This lets them survive in waters with very little oxygen that would kill other fish.

Excellent hunters. Northern snakeheads are fierce predators with big teeth and powerful jaws. They hunt smaller fish, frogs, and even small turtles and snakes in their watery homes.

Spreading worldwide. When northern snakeheads were exported around the world for food and aquariums, some escaped into rivers and lakes where they don't belong. They've now become invasive species in North America, Central Asia, and other places.

Problem invaders. Because northern snakeheads can breathe air and eat almost anything, they're really good at taking over new environments. Scientists worry they'll outcompete native fish and damage local ecosystems.