A northern snakehead (Channa argus) was recently caught in the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River near Callicoon, NY. This is of great concern because these non-native invasive fish are predators that potentially threaten important native species and recreational fisheries in the Delaware River. These fish are native to Asia but have been showing up with increasing frequency in other parts of the world recently.
If you believe you have caught a northern snakehead…
• DO NOT RELEASE IT.
• Kill it immediately and freeze it (in case it is requested by fisheries agencies for positive identification).
• If possible, take pictures of the fish, including close ups of its mouth, fins and tail.
• Note where it was caught (waterbody, landmarks or GPS coordinates).
• Report it to:
* The National Park Service (don_hamilton@nps.gov, 570-493-1022 cell/texts).
* Your regional New York DEC fisheries office or to DEC’s Invasive Species Bureau (518-402-9425 | e-mail us).
* Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission-Report Aquatic Invasive Species-www.fishandboat.com/ais-reporting.htm
* You can also submit a report through iMapinvasives at www.nyimapinvasives.org, or ww.paimapinvasives.org
Do not move it to other waters! Both NY and PA prohibit possession, sale, or transport of these fish live!
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
