The northern snakehead fish (Channa argus) has been identified as an invasive aquatic fish across the United States. Thanks, Ron “Turtles” Crick Whitby, Ontario.

However, unlike bowfin which are native to North America, the northern snakehead is considered an invasive species and environmentally harmful. For the latest WDFW closures, restrictions, and updates see the WDFW COVID-19/Coronavirus response page. They’re a great fighting fish, and early in the season we always catch a few in our lake just north of Parry Sound, Ontario. Its closest relatives are the gars. Fish and Wildife Service / (diploid grass carp) Eric Engbretson, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bugwood.org / (gar) Rebekah D. Wallace, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org / (green sturgeon) CAFS CC BY-NC. This species spends most of its time at the bottom of lakes and rivers searching for small prey. It has an air-bladder that functions like a lung, and can be seen gulping air. Males have … They are generally regarded as trash fish by sportsmen in the United States, because they eat more desirable species, including crayfish. The Division of Wildlife studies and manages fish and wildlife populations and enforces hunting and fishing laws. The bowfin is the only living representative of an ancient family of fishes. Snakehead fish got their name because of their long, cylindrical body plan and large scales on their head that give them a snake-like appearance. Burros, armadillos, bluebonnets, and pecan trees are just a few examples of the diverse flora and fauna that one might come across in Texas. Snakeheads can become invasive species and cause ecological damage because in many areas to which they are not native, the absence of natural enemies gives them apex predator status.

viewed these records as representing natural occurrences. 1980 et seq.) The Bowfin is a North American freshwater fish species. Read on to learn about the Bowfin. The Answer. + Image Credits. People throughout North America also refer to this species as mudfish, swamp trout, beaverfish, blackfish, and more. Pflieger (1978) reported that Missouri River records resulted from Bowfin escapes from privately stocked lakes; however, Burgess and Gilbert (in Lee et al. I’ve been wondering if we should try cooking them. Can you eat bowfin? However, because bowfin are a native species, they should not be killed unnecessarily. Photos: (bighead carp) South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks , Bugwood.org / (black carp) Rob Cosgriff, Illinois Natural History Survey, Bugwood.org / (bowfin) Duane Raver/U.S. Bowfin are usually not considered a good food fish compared to more popular freshwater gamefish species, such as pike or trout. They have a long, stout body; big mouth with small, sharp teeth; long dorsal and rounded tail fin. Remarks: Burr and Warren (1986) reported that Kentucky records of this species from east of the Green River represent waif and/or probable introductions. While some of … Invasive.org is a joint project of University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA Forest Service, USDA Identification Technology Program, and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture