James RickardTime to revisit the snakehead
September 22nd 2011 19:40
Many moons ago this blog examined the snakehead. Things haven't changed a whole lot. They're still considered an invasive species and, consequently, keep turning up in places where they shouldn't.
One of the best (or worst, depending on how you look at it) places in the U.S. to find the snakehead is Southern Florida. This fish has no natural enemies outside of its native waters and, to the horror of many, the snakehead can actually breathe out of water! In fact, the snakehead can live 3-7 days out of water! If that's not enough, some species even propel themselves over dry land by scooting along on their front fins! And--the final bit of horror--some species of snakeheads can grow to over 3 feet (1 meter) and weigh over 13 pounds! (6 Kg.) On the other hand, some are only inches long at maturity.
Although their propulsion on dry land can be fodder for horror movies, their locomotion is far from linear so, you don't have to worry about a snakehead eying that cute kitten you just got and then making a bee line for it. They may end up in a general desired area but, their flip-flop, squirmy motion makes them real low on the threat scale.
Here's a report from National Geographic from a while back.
One of the best (or worst, depending on how you look at it) places in the U.S. to find the snakehead is Southern Florida. This fish has no natural enemies outside of its native waters and, to the horror of many, the snakehead can actually breathe out of water! In fact, the snakehead can live 3-7 days out of water! If that's not enough, some species even propel themselves over dry land by scooting along on their front fins! And--the final bit of horror--some species of snakeheads can grow to over 3 feet (1 meter) and weigh over 13 pounds! (6 Kg.) On the other hand, some are only inches long at maturity.
Although their propulsion on dry land can be fodder for horror movies, their locomotion is far from linear so, you don't have to worry about a snakehead eying that cute kitten you just got and then making a bee line for it. They may end up in a general desired area but, their flip-flop, squirmy motion makes them real low on the threat scale.
Here's a report from National Geographic from a while back.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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