I think the snakeheads brought into the US have come from SE Asia though - apparently people like to eat 'em:
In Malaysia and Singapore, known locally as the toman, while in Indonesia are called gabus or haruan (not to be confused with another species of smaller snakehead known as the common snakehead also called haruan), are cultured in fish ponds and reservoirs as game fish because they put up a strong fight when hooked. The giant snakehead is also a good food fish, and is often served in Chinese restaurants.
In Thailand this fish is prepared in a variety of ways, especially barbecued, being a common food item offered by street vendors.
In various Asian cultures it is believed that eating this fish will help in healing of the body, for example, after an operation or severe cuts and scrapes.
..... The giant snakehead, normally called red or redline snakeheads are a popular fish to be sold in the pet trade. They are commonly sold as juveniles as pets. Some are even sold as feeders to be fed to larger carnivorous fish. Generally peaceful while young, they grow into voracious predators that will chase and eat anything that fits in their mouth. ....The giant snakehead is found in Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, India, and possibly Burma. .... There have been reports of the giant snakehead in already six of the US states including Wisconsin, Maryland, and parts of Virginia.
... In 2002 and 2003, three specimens were caught in Maryland, USA all believed to have been released pets. In 2003, a giant snakehead was caught in Rock River, Wisconsin. [5] ...
en.wikipedia.org
..The bullseye snakehead or great snakehead (Channa marulius) is native to South Asia but has been introduced to the United States. In South India it is commonly found in reservoirs. ... It is a faster growing fish than most of the other species of the genus. It is a carnivorous species. It is marketed live and fetches high prices in the market. The flesh has high nutritive value and its flesh is said to have wound healing effect and recuperative attributes. It is highly suitable for intensive culture due to its air-breathing habit.
It is an invasive species in the United States. [1]
en.wikipedia.org
Of course, there's the native snakehead from Louisiana:
It also breathes air and travels on land. |
