Northern Snakehead protecting its young

Here is one of the reasons the Northern Snakehead has been so successful in expanding its range in our region. Shown here is a parent actively protecting its recently hatched larvae in Montgomery Co., Maryland. Photo courtesy of MBP contributor and iNaturalist user @drennack.

"Female snakeheads average about 40,000 eggs but can release up to 100,000 eggs and can spawn multiple times per year. Newly hatched larvae are protected by one or both parents until they reach the juvenile stage. Sexual maturity is reached in two years when the total body length is about 12 inches." (MD DNR)

"In 2002, a reproducing population of northern snakeheads was discovered in a pond in Crofton, Maryland. The snakeheads were exterminated and subsequently assigned injurious wildlife status under the Federal Lacey Act which prohibits import and interstate transport. A mid-Atlantic Aquatic Nuisance Species council was formed and a management plan for northern snakeheads was drafted. Despite intense media and political attention, increased awareness did not serve to prevent further introductions. In 2004, northern snakeheads were found in the Potomac River near the nation's capitol and have since established a reproducing population." (MD DNR)

The species continues to expand in our area.

Northern Snakehead at Maryland Biodiversity Project:
https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/view/275

Bill

Posted on June 21, 2021 01:11 PM by billhubick