Channa is a genus of fish in the family Channidae, commonly known as snakehead, native to Asia. I am reviewing its status and how to prevent, eradicate, manage this alien in European waters. I would greately appreciate if anyone has some good suggestions for me on this interesting and beautiful alien.
This is a really interesting question! I had a similar thought about an already present species, and came to the result that we cannot stop neither introduction nor spread. This is mainly due to three reasons:
1. Angling related introductions and stockings
2. The connectivity of freshwater system
3. Human alteration of freshwater ecosystems.
Prevent introduction:
I myself fish and have some experience with snakeheads from when I was in the US. I had a nice discussion with a friend and although they should be taken out by law, a lot of people are just too ignorant to do so. Then there are those that just introduce them...
I personally think that only state, nation or EU wide laws that forbid any introduction of these species can be a solution (as in the case of New Zealand and the North American Channel catfish). Additionally, this species has to be kept out of aquarium trades.
Eradicate:
I can only speak from my experience, but I know that collaboration with german fishing association can lead to great results. Combined efforts, strict taking out by anglers and seasonal catchments (e-fishing) could help eradicate populations. Nonetheless I am ignorant about the effectivity of e-fishing on this species-complex. Additionally, ponds could be dried, difficult would be the situation for rivers.
Another thought I had: Which countries in Europe do offer climatic conditions suitable for reproduction?
Dear Philip thanks for your interest in the Channid Snakeheads of Europe. They could enter, spread, invade. I have been reading up on them. But its not too late to stop them if bans on aquarium trade, live-food trade, aquaculture etc are put in place and implemented. They could spread in the southern half of Europe - in the cold-winter eastern half Channa argus did not spread - even though the USSR russians made many attempts (even in Slovak and Czech republics). So fortunately the situation is not like in the US.
Keep fish'n,
Stam
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