Snakehead (Fish) – Channidae – Thai Fish Species

 
Snakehead fish are named for their snake-like appearance due to their elongated body and flattened head. There are 50 reported species of Channa there refers to the genus in Asia including countries like India, China, and Thailand. Besides there are reported 3 species of Parachanna which refers to the genus in Africa.

Both species are a part of the family Channidae, a group of freshwater predatory fish, there also are known as Frankenfish, Monster fish and Mudfish. Their colors can vary depending on the species, age, environmental factors and time of year. However, many species have a dark or light brown, gray or blackish coloration or greenish tint. with a light-colored belly. Patterns on their bodies, like spots or stripes, which allow them to camouflage effectively in different surroundings. They also change color during the breeding season, again it depends on the species. As well what stage they are in the breeding process, will determine what color they have.                                           

Habitat

Snakehead fish are a highly adaptable fish species and can thrive in a variety of aquatic environments. Including slow-moving rivers, ponds, swamps, and marshes. They often prefer areas with plenty of aquatic vegetation, submerged plants, and submerged logs or debris. These provide cover for them to ambush prey and avoid predators. Additionally, they can tolerate low oxygen levels and can survive out of water for short periods due to their ability to breathe air using their suprabranchial organ.

This organ allows them to “walk” or move over land for up to 4 days, if they stay moist, by using their pectoral fins. The ability to move over land is not true walking, but rather a form of wriggling or writhing motion. They can push themselves forward and move between bodies of water or across moist terrain. By flexing their bodies and using their pectoral fins to “crawl” along the ground. The ability to walk over land is not the primary mode of locomotion for Snakehead fish. They are predominantly aquatic and rely on swimming in water for their regular activities. However, because they can move over land, this has raised concerns in regions where these fish have been introduced as invasive species. As they can disperse to new habitats and negatively impact local ecosystems.

Snakehead Lifespan and Size

On average, Snakehead fish can live anywhere from 8 to 15 years. Some individuals have been known to live longer, up to 20 years or more, under favorable conditions. However, in the wild, their lifespan can be influenced by various factors. Including: species, quality of habitat, availability of food, competition, predation, and human activities.

The largest species is the Giant Snakehead which can grow to a considerable size. Adult individuals can reach lengths of over 1 meter (3.3 feet) and weigh up to 20 kilograms (44 pounds). The All-Tackle World Record for this species, is a massive fish of 13.6-kilograms (30-pounds). Caught outside of Rawang, Malaysia on February 28, 2018. The smallest species is likely the (Channa gachua), commonly known as the dwarf Snakehead. The name “dwarf ” is also used, for several other species of small Snakeheads. These species typically reach lengths of about 10 to 15 centimeters. All these species are native to Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia.

Snakehead Diet

They are a voracious predatory fish and have a reputation for being aggressive hunters. Their diet can vary depending on their species, size, habitat, and availability of prey. Snakehead are known for preying on other fish. They are opportunistic hunters and can target a wide range of fish species present in their habitat. Larger species consume small mammals like rodents that come near the water, as well amphibians like frogs and lizards. There have been reports of them capturing and eating small birds that come close to the water’s surface. They are also known for their cannibalistic tendencies, especially when the population is dense, or resources are limited.

In their juvenile stages, the diet consists of zooplankton, insect larvae, and later, aquatic insects like aquatic beetles, water bugs, and other small insects. Crustaceans such as crabs, shrimp, and crayfish and amphibians such as tadpoles that inhabit the water. Can all be part of the diet and provide a good source of protein and nutrients.

Snakehead Breeding Timeline

They start spawning at different ages depending on the species and environmental conditions. Some species may start spawning as early as one year of age, while others may take longer, typically between two to three years.

Snakehead typically start breeding, at the beginning of the rainy season. The exact timing can vary depending on the specific species and the geographic region in which they are found. In their native habitats, male and female fish come together to spawn, in response to changes in temperature and environmental conditions.

The species is known for being a highly reproductive species, capable of laying many eggs. However, the exact number of eggs they lay varies based on several factors. Including the size and species, the age and health of the individual fish. Environmental conditions, and the availability of suitable spawning sites. In general, a mature female Snakeheads can lay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand eggs in a single spawning event. Species, like the Northern Snakehead can lay thousands of eggs in a single clutch. In most of the species, will the parents exhibit remarkable parental care.

Nest Building

Snakehead are known to create nests for spawning, the nest-building behavior and location. can vary depending on the species and the habitat in which they are found. Some species construct more elaborate nests with plant materials, while others may simply create depressions in the substrate. Once the nest is constructed, they will be vigorously defended, when the eggs have been laid, the parent will fan the eggs with their fins to provide oxygen and prevent fungal growth. After the eggs hatch, the parents continue to provide care for the fry. They will help them find food, protect them from predators, and guide them until they are old enough to fend for themselves. This behavior enhances the survival rate of their offspring.

After the breeding season, they are likely to go their separate ways and may not maintain any long-term social bonds. There is a common misconception that Snakehead pair together for life, but this is not entirely accurate. Like many other fish species, they can exhibit some form of pair bonding during the breeding season. But they are not known for forming lifelong monogamous relationships.

As Invasive Fish Species

The Snakehead is indeed a notoriously invasive fish species that has garnered significant attention. They have been introduced to new areas/habitats. Often unintentionally through the aquarium trade or intentionally by individuals, looking to establish them as game fish. The introduction of Snakeheads can have serious ecological consequences. Their predatory behavior can outcompete native fish for resources, leading to declines in native fish populations. The fish species are also known for their adaptability and hardiness, they can survive in a wide range of aquatic environments.

Several snakehead species have invaded various geographical locations, throughout the world. Including the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia. Reports of Snakeheads introductions in other parts of the world have occasionally surfaced. These introductions are often associated with human activities, such as the illegal release of aquarium fish or deliberate attempts to establish the species in new habitats for fishing purposes.

How Does Snakehead Fish Affect the Ecosystem

The snakehead fish as an invasive species, can have significant negative impacts on ecosystems where it is introduced. Here’s how it affects the ecosystem:

Snakehead are aggressive predators with a broad diet, their presence in a new ecosystem can lead to a reduction in the populations of native species. Because of their aggressive feeding habits and rapid growth rates have the species a competitive advantage, that often leading to declines in native fish populations. Particularly those that are not adapted to such a powerful predator. By preying on a wide range of organisms, Snakeheads can disrupt existing food chains, leading to cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. Native predators may lose their food sources, while prey species may become overabundant if their natural predators are eaten by Snakeheads.

Reproductive advantage

They have a high and quickly reproduction rate, with some species capable of spawning multiple times per year. Some of the species also provide extensive parental care, which increases the survival rate of their offspring, further bolstering their population growth. This reproductive advantage allows them to establish large populations rapidly, making it difficult to control or eradicate them once they are established.

The decline or extinction of native fish species due to predation or competition from Snakeheads can lead to a reduction in biodiversity, which weakens the resilience of the ecosystem to other stresses, such as climate change or pollution.

By altering the composition of fish communities, snakeheads can indirectly affect water quality. For example, they might reduce populations of certain fish that help control algae, leading to algal blooms and degraded water conditions.

The decline of native species due to snakehead invasions can negatively impact commercial and recreational fisheries, leading to economic losses for communities that depend on these industries. Controlling snakehead populations is difficult and costly. Efforts to remove or contain them can involve significant resources, and there are often ecological risks associated with the use of chemicals or other control methods. Snakeheads can carry parasites and diseases that may be transmitted to native fish species, further impacting their populations and the overall health of the ecosystem.

In summary, the introduction of snakehead fish to non-native ecosystems can lead to severe ecological imbalances, threatening biodiversity, altering food webs, and causing economic harm. Their aggressive nature, high reproductive rate, and adaptability make them a particularly troublesome invasive species.

Snakehead Fishing Method

Some of the Snakeheads species are very popular freshwater sport fish. Snakehead fishing is considered a thrilling and challenging activity. Lure fishing is a popular and exciting way to target these aggressive freshwater predators. Topwater lures can be particularly effective, especially during morning and evening when they are most active. Walk-the-dog style lures, poppers, and frog imitations are excellent choices for enticing surface strikes.

They are a species of fish that often lurks around structures like submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and shoreline cover. Cast your lures close to these structures. Experiment with different retrieve styles, such as slow and steady, fast and erratic, to see what triggers the most strikes. Snakeheads can be unpredictable in their feeding behavior, so being versatile with your retrieve can increase your chances of success.

Thailand is home to several species that are interesting for anglers. You can read more about our Snakehead fishing trips here