Environment DEC
From the September 2005 issue
Northern Snakehead Fish Found in New York City Lake
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in conjunction with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation announced that several northern snakehead fish have been collected from Meadow Lake in Queens. A total of four snakeheads were discovered during DEC's routine sampling of Meadow Lake, located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. After three snakehead fish were found in early July, DEC conducted more intensive sampling and collected a fourth northern snakehead. Identification of these fish as northern snakeheads has been confirmed by fisheries scientists with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
"Air-breathing" Fish
Snakeheads are air-breathing freshwater fish native to Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia and tropical Africa. Several species of snakeheads are highly valued as food within parts of their native range, while several species are sought by hobbyists through the aquarium trade. The northern snakehead in particular is a popular food fish and is cultured in China and Korea. It has been exported to other nations, including Canada and the United States, where it has been sold live in certain ethnic markets and restaurants.
The snakehead's mouth reveals
the rows of sharp teeth that
make it such an effective predator
Due to their potential as predators of native New York fish, possession and importation of live snakehead was prohibited in New York State as of June 2004. While many species of snakehead fish cannot survive through the winter in the northern waters of the United States, the northern snakehead may be capable of year-round survival in some state waters. Northern snakeheads have previously been found in a few waters located in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Ongoing Sampling
Meadow Lake is connected to Willow Lake, and the two waters are isolated from other fresh waters. Although Meadow Lake is a tributary to Flushing Creek, snakeheads' very low tolerance for saline and DEC and New York City's Department of Parks' aggressive response should prohibit potential downstream migration out of Meadow Lake. DEC staff will continue sampling for snakeheads in Meadow and Willow lakes and will develop and implement response strategies as necessary.
Invasive Species
The collection of snakeheads from New York State waters highlights the problem of non-native invasive species and the potential detrimental effects they can have on the state's native flora and fauna. Recently, the New York State Invasive Species Task Force (ISTF) issued its draft report offering recommendations for reducing the importation and spread of harmful or potentially harmful species. The final ISTF report is expected in November.
