Snakehead Fish Found in Inner Harbor; Appears to be a Discard
ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 6, 2002) - Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service officials today confirmed that a 22-inch giant snakehead was captured by a local crabber near Fells Point. This fish is related to, but not the same, as the northern snakeheads in the Crofton Pond.
James Scritchfield, of O’Donnell Street was crabbing near the 2100 block of Boston Street (Canton/Fells Point) when he saw a large fish struggling in the water near the shore, and subsequently captured it in a dip net.
The fish was reportedly seen struggling in near shore waters when Scritchfield captured it with his dip net. After DNR officials examined and identified the fish, it was returned to Scritchfield.
The giant snakehead, or Channa micropeltes, is commonly known as the red or redline snakehead at the juvenile stage of life and is called a giant snakehead as an adult. This species is native to Asia, and sold in the aquarium trade, although it is not recommended for most private collectors since it can grow up to 40 inches.
Giant snakeheads are tropical or subtropical in origin, and cannot survive the northern climate, nor the salinity of waterways such as the Chesapeake Bay. Previous reported aquarium releases have been documented in Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island.
For more information about the northern snakehead fish, click on http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/snakeheadinfosheet.html
Posted September 10, 2002