Biological Category
Fish
Species Type
Aquatic Vertebrate
NY Legal Status
Prohibited
LHPrism Status
Tier 2 - Emerging
Key Characteristics
Size
Can exceed 33 inches in length
Color
Generally light brown with dark, leopard-like patches along the sides
Mouth
Large with many sharp teeth
Dorsal Fin
Supported only by rays, runs the entire length of the body
Other
Broad, flattened head with a torpedo shaped body
Vertical Tabs
Impacts of this species
Predatory, voracious eaters of native flora and fauna. Snakeheads can eat other fish that are up to 33% of their size.