The Florida Fishing Experts
Specializing in Florida Bass Fishing on all of the Florida Freshwater Lakes.

 An Asian fish commonly known as a snakehead is the most recent addition to Florida's list of reproducing exotic fishes, scientists report. "However, it's far too early to know or even speculate on what effects the presence of this snakehead will have mean while it is a great sport fish to have fun with. 

There are now 31 documented exotic fish species reproducing in Florida's fresh waters. Some of the better known exotic residents include the walking catfish, Asian swamp eel, and oscar. The snakehead is an air-breathing fish similar in appearance and behavior to the native bowfin (or mudfish). Anglers have been catching them since 2000 while fishing a residential canals and ponds in Broward County. Most anglers initially think there a bowfin until noticing the ocellus, a distinctive dark spot rimmed in brilliant orange near the base of the tail fin.

 Snakeheads are native to parts of tropical Africa and Asia occurring in China, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and India, according to the FWC. All snakeheads are distinguished by their torpedo shaped body, long dorsal and anal fins without spines, and toothed jaws. This snakehead typically has red eyes and is gold-tinted brown to pale gray in younger fish while older fish are generally dark brown with large black blotches. The most distinctive marking is the black spot rimmed with orange near the base of the tail fin, known as an eye-spot or ocellus.

 Snakeheads have been described as being extremely aggressive and voracious, but based on our personal observations the species collected in Florida appears to be one of the more aggressive species of snakeheads. The species got to Florida by a illegal introduction of exotics in the first place, it is really the only viable tactic along with educating anglers, aquarists, and others about the illegality of dumping and/or transferring exotic fish from one water body to another. Snakeheads are in fresh water and are contained in Florida's numerous lakes, streams, rivers, canals, and impoundments. 

"Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes once an exotic fish begins reproducing, meanwhile it has become a very aggressive species and added for anglers.   Some of the literature on the snakeheads suggest this fish can reach lengths of four feet, although is skeptical. 

There is no question, however, that the snakehead is highly valued throughout Asia for its food value and taste. "I have eaten a few snakeheads since we began our research into this species, and can attest to their excellent taste". "Their popularity as food within the Asian cultures in south Florida may even explain the presence of the snakehead in Florida waters." Some customers apparently believe that in addition to tasting good, snakeheads have a medicinal benefit. All species of snakeheads are illegal to possess live in the state of Florida. Possession of live snakeheads is a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine and/or 60 days in jail.

  Florida law also makes it a crime for anyone to release any exotic fish into state waters.

The snakehead (also once called the "serpent headed fish") has inspired various other beliefs and myths through the centuries. Because of its serpent-like head, some oriental cultures ERRONEOUSLY believed the snakehead had a poisonous bite.

A western scientist studying these species in 1878 wrote how the Karen people of Burma regarded this fish with "superstitious awe" and refrained from eating them.

Another source stated in 1822 that the religious people of Bengal Province in India believed it was unlucky to regard the snakehead as either bad or good.