The Northern Snakehead
The Northern snakehead....a modern day fox in the henhouse. The introduction of the snakehead species into the U.S. could become far more serious a problem than most people would like to believe. These fish well kill and eat anything that moves basically....and a lot of it. Entire marine ecosystems are at risk if these extreme predators are allowed to run rampant. All together there are 28 species of known snakeheads; three are indigenous to Africa, the other 25 to Asia. All are air breathers and can live on land for at least three days. All 28 are voracious predators and truly viscous. Some types even kill more than they can eat. One species, the bullseye snakehead, has not only established itself into southern Florida waterways but is thriving! However, there has been little evidence of the impact on local wildlife. Fortunately this species is restricted to water temperatures of 40 degrees and higher, so cannot survive the winters of Northern Florida. "We have not seen, and we don't anticipate, that the presence of the snakehead in Florida will have a catastrophic impact," said Shafland. "But it's like throwing trash out of a car window; it can't be good." Unfortunately, the northern snakehead is nothing like it
In short, a well designed, efficient predator. Needless to say, the multi-billion dollar a year fishing industry is on high alert. One example of the detrimental effects of invasive species is the cotton boll weevil, which has reportedly cost the cotton industry thirteen million dollars. In addition, the snakehead has the ability to bury itself in the mud for several months, so it could just hide. According to the Singapore Press (2002) "snakehead young grow with amazing rapidity and the only problem encountered is that of keeping their terrific appetite satisfied. Especially local fisherman and water activist who generally have the most contact with the species. " Also added by (Mulligan, 2002) "Small prey such as frogs and small mammals are taken in one gulp, but with their sharp teeth and powerful jaws, large snakeheads can easily immobilize larger prey like carp. With the discovery of one of these real life monsters in Maryland, the public is in a snakehead frenzy of sorts. Retrieved November 9, 2003, from National Geographic Web Site: http://news. Invasive species have a reputation and history of doing major damage to the ecosystem. In its native country of Burma, it is known as "freshwater shark".
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