The lengthy, somewhat pointed head gives the fish an appearance similar to that of a snake.Its scales have a mottled pattern of light and dark brown. The Northern snakehead (Channa argus) is a special snakehead fish cultivated mainly in Asia and Africa for food, especially in China with an annual production of about 510 000 tons (worth ∼1.6 billion US dollars) (Fig. Norther Snakehead ( Channa argus) DESCRIPTION: The northern snakehead has a long, thin body that can grow to 47 inches and 15 pounds.It has a somewhat flattened head with eyes located in a dorsolateral position on the anterior part of the head; tubular anterior nostrils; elongated dorsal and anal fins; and a truncated tail. Being able to live in the water, and able to live out of water up to four days. (Family Channidae) General Description. Details. The northern snakehead can grow up to 85 centimetres long and weigh as much as seven kilograms. They have a large mouth and protruding jaw with canine-like teeth.

Adults are golden tan to pale brown or olive in color, snakeheads are easily identified by dark irregular blotches along the sides, and saddlelike blotches along the back. The native bowfin has a short anal fin of some 9–10 soft rays.

Description Cylindrical fish, with a snakelike head and large mouth with sharp teeth. The Snakehead look very similar to our native bowfin. Of the 38 different species belonging to the Channidae family, only around 12 of them are considered invasive or potentially harmful. How to Identify Northern Snakehead. Similar traits between the Snakehead and the native bowfin are long cylindrical shape, long dorsal fin and rounded tail fin. Data description Introduction of C. argus. Snakeheads are freshwater fishes belonging to the Channidae family. Channa Argus, the scientific name for the Northern Snakehead. Species Description Northern snakehead is a popular aquarium species known for its aggressive behavior and is also considered a delicacy in Asian cuisine. Adults are golden tan to pale brown or olive in color, snakeheads are easily identified by dark irregular blotches along the sides, and saddlelike blotches along the back. This species has the general characteristics that most species share, and elongated body with a long head. They are fearsome predators at any stage of their life cycle who become a true threat for local species.

The various species of snakeheads differ greatly in size; dwarf snakeheads, such as Channa orientalis, do not surpass 25 cm (10 in) in length.Most other snakeheads reach between 30 and 90 cm (12 and 35 in). The adults of this species frequently have red eyes and a black spot surrounded by orange at the base of their tail fin.