Snakehead fish: where it is found and how it looks, its types and benefits for people
A fisherman who has ever caught a snakehead on a hook will remember this fish for many years. This ferocious predator looks like a formidable reptile and has razor-sharp teeth that it will use without hesitation if given the chance. It will be possible to catch it on any bait, even on frogs, which this fish especially loves. Some people are put off by its creepy appearance, but they miss the point that the fish is great tasting, fatty, 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 even reach thirty kilograms. Its body is elongated and muscular, with a characteristic snake-like pattern along its skin, which is covered in mucus.
The head is flattened from above and below, 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 runs from head to tail.
Snakehead has an unusual ability to breathe oxygen outside of a body of water, which allows him to survive if the habitat dries up, but not more than five days. Its slimy body and respiratory organs allow it to move over land and reach another body of water. They are said to create a protective capsule during times of drought while they wait for conditions to improve.
The gill organ and air sacs provide the ability to inhale air. Oxygen is collected in these organs and then transported through the blood vessels to the rest of the body.
Initially, snakeheads were found in India. They are mainly found in the rivers of the eastern part of the world, stretching from the Yangtze River to the Amur River. In the Russian Federation, they usually live in the waters of Primorsky Krai.
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 smaller fish, but also consumes amphibians, insects, and does not disdain his own relatives. In addition, during periods of flooding, snakeheads even prey on baby birds and rodents.
Types of snakeheads
According to scientists, there are approximately 30 different variations within the genus of snakeheads. Each of them has its own distinctive features. A few examples of these species include:
- Asian snakeheads, which reach thirty centimeters and are known for their aggressive behavior towards relatives;
- red snakeheads, which grow up to 1 m or more, are able to attack large fish and even rush at a person;
- dwarf, whose length does not exceed twenty centimeters and which aquarists like to buy;
- rainbows whose bright colors gave them their name; reach a length of twenty centimeters;
- Glaucas, with slightly flattened sides with a length of up to fifty centimeters;
- predatory golden snakeheads, usually between forty and sixty centimeters long;
- imperial, with an average size of seventy centimeters.
The most dangerous is the brown look. It can grow up to a meter or more and is highly aggressive. In a closed reservoir, he is able to eradicate all other life forms that live there. It easily adapts to different circumstances and multiplies 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 predatory actions.
Features of reproduction
Snakehead reaches 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. Then the fish builds a nest under water at a depth of one meter, large enough for the female to lay eggs in it; these eggs are covered with fatty particles that allow them to float near the surface of the water. The reproductive rate of the female is surprisingly high; she is able to spawn up to five times per season, each time producing about thirty thousand eggs. The larvae hatch after a few days.
Asian snakeheads are attentive parents. They stay close to the nest until the larvae turn into fry. Using their fins, adults create a constant flow of water. Parents vigilantly protect 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 fat sac disappears in the fry. They reach a size of about eleven millimeters. After a few weeks, they grow to twenty millimeters. Initially, they survive on plankton and algae, but as their teeth develop, they begin to prey on various marine life. As soon as the fry spread out in different directions, the parental duties of snakeheads come to an end, and then they start breeding again.
Do they have enemies
Snakeheads have no natural enemies in any environment they inhabit. They are very aggressive and breed 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, pikes usually hold the lead.However, in places with a lot of deep pools, in combination with bushes near the coastline, as a rule, catfish win. When it comes to still waters, the giant snakehead has no competition.
Benefit for people
Snakehead is regarded as an excellent breeding option. The fish is able to quickly adapt to new conditions, grows to an impressive size in a short time and requires minimal care.
Young fish are released into ponds. It is grown in Russia. This business is also popular in the Philippines. The productivity of this fish species is 900 kg/ha. In India, this species is bred along with non-predatory fish species; with a productivity of 800-900 kg/ha.
Snakehead is 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 medicinal properties, snakehead can lower blood cholesterol levels, strengthen the immune system, improve eyesight 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.
Snakehead is also a low-calorie fish, making it ideal for those who watch their diet and strive to maintain a he althy lifestyle.
Popular recipes
This product is beneficial in that it has a lot of meat, few bones, and an exquisite taste. If someone is lucky enough to get the meat of this freshwater predator, then it will be possible to cook 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.
- Onion - 2 pcs.
- Potatoes – 5-6 pieces
- Carrots – 2 pieces
- Peppercorns – 5-6 pieces
- Bay leaf – 2 pcs
- S alt to taste.
- Dill greens - to taste.
Cooking:
- Clean the fish, cut it into small portions and rinse under cold water.
- Pour water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the onion cut into rings, carrot cut into large pieces and peppercorns into boiling water.
- Simmer the vegetables over medium heat for about 10 minutes, then add the fish and bay leaf in portions. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the fish is soft.
- Peel the potatoes, cut them into large pieces and add to the pot. Cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- S alt to taste and bring to a boil. Add dill greens and turn off the heat. Let the ear rest under the lid for about 10 more minutes.
Roasted snakehead fillet
This fish is easy to fry very quickly and delicious. Ingredients:
- Snakehead fish fillet – 500g
- S alt and pepper to taste.
- Vegetable oil for frying.
Cooking steps:
- Cut the fish fillet into pieces of approximately the same size.
- S alt 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 fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until the fish is golden and easily detaches from the pan.
- Serve fried fish on the table.
