A fisherman who has caught a snakehead on a hook at least once will remember this fish for many years. This ferocious predator looks like a fearsome reptile and has razor-sharp teeth, which he will not hesitate to use if given the opportunity. It can be caught with any bait, even with frogs, which this fish especially loves. Some people are put off by its creepy appearance, but they miss the point that the fish tastes great, fatty, with juicy meat.
What kind of fish is this
Snakehead is a large predatory fish that reaches a length of up to one and a half meters and a weight of seven kilograms, and some specimens reach even thirty kilograms. Its body is elongated and muscular, with a characteristic snake-like pattern along the skin, which is covered with mucus.
The head is flattened at the top and bottom, and the eyes are located on the sides, they are bulging. The mouth drops down, sharp teeth line the wide-opening jaws. The tail of this fish is small and rounded, and the dorsal fin extends from the head to the tail.
The snakehead has the unusual ability to breathe oxygen outside of a body of water, which allows it to survive if its habitat dries out, but for no more than five days. Its slimy body and respiratory organs allow it to move across land and reach another body of water. During times of drought, they are said to create a protective capsule while they wait for conditions to improve.
The epibranchial organ and air sacs provide the ability to inhale air. Oxygen is collected in these organs and then transported through blood vessels to the rest of the body.
Snakeheads were originally found in India. They are mainly found in rivers in the eastern part of the world, stretching from the Yangtze River to the Amur River. In the Russian Federation, they usually live in reservoirs of the Primorsky Territory.
The snakehead is an incredibly fierce and aggressive predator that lives in bodies of water such as lakes, ponds and rivers. Driven by his insatiable appetite, he often hunts for smaller fish, but also consumes amphibians, insects, and does not disdain his own relatives. In addition, during periods of floods, snakeheads even prey on young birds and rodents.
Species of snakeheads
Scientists estimate that there are approximately 30 different variations within the snakehead genus.Each of them has its own distinctive features. A few examples of these types include:
- Asian snakeheads, which reach thirty centimeters and are known for their aggressive behavior towards their relatives;
- red snakeheads, which grow up to 1 m or more, are capable of attacking large fish and even rushing at a person;
- dwarf, whose length does not exceed twenty centimeters and which aquarists love to purchase;
- iridescent, whose bright colors give them their name; reach a length of twenty centimeters;
- glaukas, with slightly flattened sides and a length of up to fifty centimeters;
- predatory golden snakeheads, which usually range from forty to sixty centimeters in length;
- imperial, with an average size of seventy centimeters.
The brown type is considered the most dangerous. It can grow up to a meter or more and is highly aggressive. In a closed body of water, it is capable of eradicating all other life forms living there. It easily adapts to various circumstances and reproduces quickly. If there is no food left where it lives, the predator will find a way to move to another pond or river, where it will stubbornly continue its aggressive actions.
Features of reproduction
Snakeheads reach sexual maturity at an early age, usually before two years of age. It has an average body length of 30-40 centimeters. Spawning occurs when the water temperature is between 20-25°C. The fish then builds a nest underwater at a depth of one meter, large enough for the female to lay eggs in it; these eggs are coated with fatty particles that allow them to float at the surface of the water.The female's reproductive rate is surprisingly high; it is capable of spawning up to five times per season, producing about thirty thousand eggs each time. The larvae emerge from the eggs after a few days.
Asian snakeheads are attentive parents. They remain near the nest until the larvae develop into fry. Using their fins, adults create a constant flow of water. Parents vigilantly guard their territory from enemies, attacking any unfamiliar creature, regardless of size. Such care increases the likelihood of survival of their large brood.
In the first weeks, the fry loses their fat sac. They reach a size of about eleven millimeters. After a few more weeks they grow to twenty millimeters. At first they survive on plankton and algae, but as their teeth develop they begin to prey on various marine life. As soon as the fry disperse in different directions, the parental duties of the snakeheads come to an end, and then they begin to reproduce again.
Do they have enemies?
Snakeheads have no natural enemies in any environment where they live. They are very aggressive and reproduce quickly, making them the main enemy of other aquatic life, especially smaller fish.
Although snakeheads compete with other species for food, in large bodies of water where there is no shallow water and dense vegetation, pike usually hold the lead. However, in areas with a lot of deep pools, coupled with shoreline brush, catfish tend to win. When it comes to calm waters, the giant snakehead has no competition.
Benefits for people
Snakeheads are considered as an excellent breeding option.The fish is able to quickly adapt to new conditions, grows to impressive sizes in a short time and requires minimal care.
Juvenile fish are released into ponds. It is grown in Russia. This business is also popular in the Philippines. The productivity of this type of fish is 900 kg/ha. In India, this species is bred together with non-predatory fish species; with a productivity of 800-900 kg/ha.
Snakeheads are considered a valuable source of nutrients. 100 grams of meat contains about 20 grams of protein, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12 and D, minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.
As for its medicinal properties, snakehead can lower blood cholesterol levels, strengthen the immune system, improve vision and general skin condition. Due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, it is considered beneficial for the cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes.
In addition, snakehead is a low-calorie fish, which makes it an ideal product for those who watch their diet and strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Popular recipes
This product is advantageous because it contains a lot of meat, few bones, and also has an exquisite taste. If someone is lucky enough to get the meat of this freshwater predator, then they will be able to prepare more than one tasty and nutritious dish from it.
Snakehead ear
The classic fish soup recipe includes the following ingredients:
- Snakehead fish – 1 kg.
- Water – 2 l.
- Onions – 2 pcs.
- Potatoes – 5-6 pcs.
- Carrots – 2 pcs.
- Peppercorns – 5-6 pcs.
- Bay leaf – 2 pcs.
- Salt - to taste.
- Dill greens - to taste.
Preparation:
- Clean the fish, cut it into small portions and rinse under cold water.
- Pour water into a saucepan and bring to a boil.Add onion, cut into rings, carrots, cut into large pieces, and peppercorns to boiling water.
- Cook the vegetables over medium heat for about 10 minutes, then add the fish and bay leaf in portions. Simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes until the fish is tender.
- Peel the potatoes, cut them into large pieces and add to the pan. Cook over medium heat until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add salt to taste and bring to a boil. Add dill and turn off the heat. Let the ear sit under the lid for about 10 minutes.
Fried snakehead fillet
This fish is easy to fry, very quick and tasty. Ingredients:
- Snakehead fish fillet – 500 g.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Vegetable oil for frying.
Cooking steps:
- Cut the fish fillets into pieces of approximately the same size.
- Salt and pepper the fish to taste.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add vegetable oil.
- Place the fish pieces in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the fish is golden and releases easily from the pan.
- Serve the fried fish.
