Northern Snakehead Fish Identified in Refuge Lake
An unwelcome intruder was discovered by refuge and U.S. Geological Survey biologists while taking fish samples from Belknap lake(just south of Hwy 1) last week.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6jGtevOji8C65UfqY0MGiHCLHLm1D5iuLK5gn9SphzVmPkAIuazaXE83iG2_0affAt0O9vkvRnY1idirNW8eqVd7HZoPrFj4ozk6-s0Vmb1QVgzvVm98sqrv1fkajObE1M8c6hah2aWa/s320/snake+head+fws+photo.jpg)
Here’s how you can help.
1. Learn to identify Northern Snakehead fish. At first glance they have the appearance of our native Bowfin(grinnel) but the long, 20 plus rays of the anal fin is the DEAD GIVEAWAY. Bowfin have only 9-10. See graphic below.
2. Fisherman are asked to kill any Northern Snakehead fish they catch and/or report sightings to the refuge office by calling 870-282-8200. (Note: Snakeheads can live a day or two out of water so throwing them out onto the bank won't do it. Remember they have the potential to crawl back into the lake.)
fws file photo
JT