Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
An Invasive Fish
Northern snakeheads are commonly caught for food in Asia. In 2002 they were discovered in Maryland and North Carolina—likely imported to U.S. fish markets, then unlawfully released. They have since been found along the East Coast, in parts of California, and in the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan.
Snakehead fish are adaptable, capable of surviving in oxygen-poor environments. They can grow up to four feet long and weigh fifteen pounds or more. Their size, adaptability, and sharp teeth make them dangerous predators.
You Can Help
If you see snakehead fish in local waterways, report your sighting to your state's natural resources department. If you catch one, do not release it back into the water.
Erected by Smithsonian Institution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 2002.
Location. 38° 55.843′ N, 77° 3.18′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. Marker can be reached from Olmsted Walk, 0.1 miles east of Connecticut Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling east.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Red Pandas (within shouting distance of this marker); Olmsted Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); Giant Panda (within shouting distance of this marker); Max Kampelman (within shouting distance of this marker); 50 Years of Giant Panda Conservation Success (within shouting distance of this marker); Back in Business (within shouting distance of this marker); An Alternative to Logging (within shouting distance of this marker); Zhu Xiaojian (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
