Snakehead fish — headed this way?

DELAWARE RIVER — Snakehead fish, which have become famous for their aggressive behavior, sharp teeth and ability to maneuver on dry land, have been spotted in waters in Philadelphia, PA. The exotic Asian fish first showed up in a pond in Maryland in 2002. By 2004, the fish were found in Meadow Lake, a tidal pond at Philadelphia’s FDR Park. From there, they have moved into the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers.

Does that mean they could make their way more than 170 miles up the river as far as Narrowsburg? Dr. Richard Horwitz of the Academy of Natural Science in Philadelphia said “there’s no real reason they would not make it that far.” He noted that there are no physical barriers to stop them, and they wouldn’t have any problem with the colder water temperatures here. But his thought is that they probably prefer water that is quieter than the Upper Delaware, with a bit more vegetation. The predatory fish could pose a greater problem in local backwaters, he said. According to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, it is more likely that the fish will migrate into the Lehigh River at Easton, PA.

Snakeheads, which have been nicknamed Frankenfish, have a reputation for wiping out other species, can maneuver short distances over dry land using their fins as legs, and can survive out of water for several days.

Fishermen who catch a Snakehead should report it to the National Park Service’s Milanville office at 570/729-7842. The fish should not be released back into the water, Horowitz said.